Does trimming trees prevent root growth? The short answer is “Yes.” However, when done properly, a healthy tree will quickly recover, allowing you to see the true benefits of tree pruning and how it can strengthen the tree’s roots.
In this post, Hawkins Tree and Landscaping, Texarkana’s tree trimming and pruning service, discusses this fascinating issue in greater detail.
Pruning trees is an essential task for any gardener or arborist. But a common question is – does pruning a tree reduce the growth of its roots? The short answer is no, pruning does not reduce root growth. However improper or excessive pruning can stress a tree and stunt its growth above and below ground. When done correctly pruning helps direct a tree’s energy and promotes a healthy, extensive root system.
How Pruning Affects Trees
Pruning removes parts of a tree to control growth or shape. It causes the tree to seal off cut areas and stop sap flow there. This redirects energy to other parts of the tree. Moderate pruning invigorates the tree and stimulates new growth. However, overly heavy pruning stresses the tree. It must work harder to seal cuts, regenerate foliage, and transport water and nutrients with a reduced canopy. Severe pruning slows photosynthesis and food production for roots. It can even kill the tree. But thoughtful, careful pruning does not reduce root growth.
How Roots Grow
A tree’s roots and canopy work in balance. Roots supply water and nutrients for foliage growth. In turn the foliage produces food to sustain roots through photosynthesis. If the canopy is pruned the roots respond by growing more small feeder roots. This increases their capacity to supply the renewed canopy. If roots are damaged or restricted, the canopy may grow more foliage to supply food energy to heal and expand the roots. Trees aim for equilibrium between their above and below-ground parts.
Reasons for Pruning
Here are common reasons for pruning trees:
- Remove dead, damaged or diseased wood
- Improve structure and form
- Increase light and air penetration
- Promote flower and fruit production
- Restrict size near buildings or wires
- Improve aesthetics and views
Proper Pruning Technique
Pruning should:
- Preserve the tree’s natural form
- Remove no more than 25% of live foliage
- Make clean cuts at branch collars
- Space out pruning over years
- Avoid topping or heading cuts
Pruning Effects on Roots
With proper pruning technique, roots continue growing actively. Light pruning removes less foliage than the roots can sustain. Moderate pruning balances root loss from cuts with new canopy growth. Over-pruning stresses roots temporarily but they recover as the canopy regenerates. However, severe pruning or root damage can stunt overall growth. The key is pruning in moderation.
Does pruning reduce root growth? Generally no, when done correctly. Roots and canopy are interdependent, so roots respond to pruning by growing more small feeder roots. However, roots can be stunted if too much live wood is removed at once. Proper technique is vital. With thoughtful pruning, trees flourish above and below ground. A pruned tree can have an even more robust root system than an unpruned one.
How Does Root Pruning Impact the Roots?
Professionals should handle any root pruning, as one wrong cut can significantly damage the tree or destabilize it. Well-placed cuts stimulate strong new growth, but it is easy to damage the fibrous feeder roots that the tree needs for nutrition.
As professionals, we avoid root trimming unless it is absolutely essential. We also recommend never attempting this task if you do not have the proper expertise. There is a significant risk of killing the tree if you damage too many feeder roots. Damaging the main structural roots can result in the tree falling over.
How Does Pruning the Crown Affect the Roots?
Trimming the crown distresses the tree, causing it to spring into action to replace the lost section of the canopy as soon as possible. As a result, the roots don’t grow during this stage. Improper crown trimming can, therefore, prevent the tree from setting down strong roots.
Any trimming of the crown is a risky proposition because it distresses the tree greatly. It causes the tree to send out wiry branches so that it can rebuild its canopy as quickly as possible. While these can look untidy, it is unwise to trim these for at least a year.
[Expert Answers] Does Trimming Trees Prevent Root Growth?
FAQ
Does pruning tree stop root growth?
To give a tree the best chance at a long and healthy life, training and pruning are essential. Newly planted trees typically don’t need pruning unless branches have been damaged but is important once they start to grow. Research shows removing tips and buds of young trees slows root growth.
How to reduce tree root growth?
- Digging out the roots with a shovel.
- Cutting them with a sharp object.
- Burning the roots.
- Filling in the hole left behind with concrete, rocks, or soil.
- Installing root barriers around their property’s perimeter.
- Planting grass over the area.
What are the disadvantages of tree pruning?
- Weakened Tree Structure. Excessive pruning often forces a tree to develop water sprouts. …
- Higher Risk of Disease. …
- Reduced Tree Vigor. …
- Susceptibility to Pests.
Do roots still grow when a tree is cut down?