Girdling Japanese Maple - Ask Extension
I have a mature Japanese maple that has a root that is girdling the trunk. It has some dead branches on the backside. I am removing the dead branches,...
Knowledgebase
Girdling Japanese Maple #936342
Asked June 22, 2026, 11:44 AM EDT
I have a mature Japanese maple that has a root that is girdling the trunk. It has some dead branches on the backside. I am removing the dead branches, but wanna try a heavy dose of fertilizer. What would you recommend?
Wayne County Michigan
Expert Response
I would not recommend a heavy dose of fertilizer unless you have done a soil test to determine what nutrients are in the soil and the pH of your soil. Can you provide a couple of good photos, one showing the side of the trunk with the girdling root, one showing the entire tree in its surroundings, and one showing a closeup of the section with dead branches? Also, check the dead branches for signs of cankers or anything that looks unusual that might indicate the presence of disease or perhaps borer insects. Girdling roots may be the cause of the branches dying, but there also may be cankers or some other pest or disease.
