03/02/2026
This is what the experts are saying is the right way to air your trees
a technical educational diagram illustrating the importance of root flare exposure for tree health and the methods used to correct "buried" root flares through the creation of a treewell.
The "root flare" (or trunk flare) is the area at the base of a tree where the trunk expands as it transitions into the root system. Proper exposure to air in this zone is critical to prevent rot and girdling roots.
1. PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION (TOP FOUR PANELS)
The first half of the image contrasts a healthy, natural grade with common issues that lead to tree decline.
• Natural Grade (Top Left): Shows the ideal state. The root flares are visible above the soil line, and the "critical root zone" extends outward. It notes that a 12"–14" clearance is often necessary for intervention.
• Soil Fill (Top Right): Illustrates how adding extra soil or mulch directly against the trunk covers the flare. This traps moisture against the bark, which can lead to fungal infections and bark decay.
• Debris & Pests (Middle Left): Explains that groundcovers (like ivy), flower beds, and even fireant mounds can cause a slow, "stealthy" buildup of soil over the flare.
• Deeply Buried Flares (Middle Right): A cross-section showing a tree that has been planted too deep or has had significant fill added. The flare is entirely underground, which often leads to the development of girdling roots—roots that circle the trunk and eventually "strangle" the tree's vascular system.
2. REMEDIATION TECHNIQUES (BOTTOM FOUR PANELS)
The second half illustrates how arborists use a "treewell" to restore air circulation to the flare without regrading the entire yard.
• Mechanical Correction (Middle Left): This shows a treewell lined with brick or stone. It explicitly highlights the need to "Remove girdling root"—a surgical process where roots wrapping around the trunk are cut to save the tree.
• Air Spade Technique (Middle Right): Shows a cross-section of a treewell where the soil was removed using an Air Spade (a tool that uses compressed air to blow away soil without damaging delicate bark or roots). It uses steel edging to hold back the surrounding lawn.
• The Treewell Structure (Bottom Left): A top-down perspective showing a circular treewell with at least 12"–14" of clearance from the trunk, ensuring the flare is fully exposed to the atmosphere.
• Aesthetic Finishing (Bottom Right): Shows a completed project where flagstone is used to retain the soil edge. The "beveled edge" ensures that the transition between the lawn and the treewell is stable and prevents soil from washing back into the hole.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
• The Golden Rule of Tree Planting: If your tree looks like a telephone pole going straight into the ground, it is likely too deep. It should look like a bell-bottom trouser, widening out where it meets the earth.
