3 Trees -- Okay, dying, dead?

[TNTreeHugger]

Good job, photos and excavation.
I'm curious what the experts will say.
I still don't see much of a root flare, lots of smaller circling roots though.

 

[Bearcreek]

Here's what I've uncovered (literally) for tree A.

Sure could use some expert analysis on what we see.

I'm not a certified arborist, but I've been doing tree work for 20 years, so I may or may not be an "expert". (Seriously though, just cause somebody has cut trees for a long time doesn't make them an expert on tree care) Anyway, IMO, those trees are toast, I'm sorry to say. Never seen maples (those appear to be red maple to me) hold up to that much excavation and raising of soil level. If you want to leave them for a while, I'd trim the dead stuff for safety's sake and plant some new trees nearby. Given the location, it may actually be cheaper to have them taken down than trimmed though. Looks like they can all be flopped from the ground.

 

[buzz sawyer]

I agree with Bearcreek, that much soil added along with the trenching was too much for them. Maples also don't tolerate the severe trimming.
Sorry for the bad news.

 

[josephny]

I'm not a certified arborist, but I've been doing tree work for 20 years, so I may or may not be an "expert". (Seriously though, just cause somebody has cut trees for a long time doesn't make them an expert on tree care) Anyway, IMO, those trees are toast, I'm sorry to say. Never seen maples (those appear to be red maple to me) hold up to that much excavation and raising of soil level. If you want to leave them for a while, I'd trim the dead stuff for safety's sake and plant some new trees nearby. Given the location, it may actually be cheaper to have them taken down than trimmed though. Looks like they can all be flopped from the ground.

Thank you so much for the analysis.

Could you share whether the revealed roots lead to you that conclusion or the history trenching and soil elevation?

 

[josephny]

I agree with Bearcreek, that much soil added along with the trenching was too much for them. Maples also don't tolerate the severe trimming.
Sorry for the bad news.

Thank you! Is it possible that exposing the root flair might help it regain its health?

 

[Huskybill]

I have older maple trees dying and ash trees with the ash bore = firewood. I have way to many trees.

 

[Bearcreek]

Thank you so much for the analysis.

Could you share whether the revealed roots lead to you that conclusion or the history trenching and soil elevation?

The trenching, soil raise and what the trees look like now are the primary things. The visible roots help confirm.

 

[buzz sawyer]

Thank you! Is it possible that exposing the root flair might help it regain its health?

Might help but the real damage is the soil added around the trees at least out to the drip line (the area under the branches).
Also hope the trenching didn't hurt too many roots.

 

[Jessalba]

That's exactly what I would do. That's what I did with the large trees in my yard, dug soil/grass away from the bottom of the trees, exposing the root flare, then mulched.
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I hope it would help tree to grow

 

[buzz sawyer]

I hope it would help tree to grow

Can't hurt to try. I do hope it helps.