Abstract
AbstractBackgroundAs long-lived organisms, urban trees often encounter development and redevelopment activities during their lifespans. These activities can damage tree roots, often through methods like root severing during trenching or excavation.MethodsIn 2017, we simulated trenching damage on matureQuercus virginianaMill. trees at 3 different distances from the base (3, 6, or 12 times the stem diameter). After 5 years, we revisited these trees to assess root regrowth based on the cut root’s cross-sectional area (CSA) and distance from the base.ResultsWe observed regrowth in all but 38 (6.7%) of the 557 cut roots revisited. The lack of regrowth in some roots was not associated with our original treatments, the CSA of the roots at the time of trenching, or distance between the cut root end and the trunk (minimumP-value = 0.841). On average, the observed CSA of the regrowth was 22.2% of the original root’s CSA. Only our initial trenching treatments (P-value = 0.024) and the distance between the trunk and the cut root end (P-value = 0.002) significantly predicted the level of regrowth observed 5 years after pruning.ConclusionsIn summary, our findings indicate that root systems require many years to recover from trenching damage. Increasing the distance between trenching activities and trees may have a minor effect on root regrowth.
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
