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Soil & Root Health

Girdling Root

Definition

A girdling root is a root that grows around the trunk or other major roots, eventually constricting the vascular tissue and slowly strangling the tree. Girdling roots are a leading cause of premature decline in landscape trees.

In Central Texas

Girdling roots are common on Central Texas trees planted too deep in clay soils or in containers that were not properly root-pruned before planting.

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