Tree Flare And Exposed Roots

Root flare is when you see the top of the roots above ground

You might worry about getting a little thick around the middle. However, this rule doesn’t fly for your trees. In the forest, tree trunks flare out just over the soil line, specifying where the root system starts. If the flare is concealed with soil, the roots can’t receive the oxygen it needs. To find out about tree flare and exposed roots, read on!  

What a Tree Flare Is
If you aren’t into tree planting, you may be wondering about tree flares. Also known as a root flare, a tree flare is the expansion of a tree’s trunk just over the soil line. To answer the question if root flare is vital to a tree’s health, here’s the answer. It is very crucial as a sign of where the root system starts, and the trunk ends.
 
Root Flare Info
If you’re planting a tree in your landscape, root flare depth is of extreme importance. If you plant the tree deep down into the ground so that the root flare is obscured with soil, the roots can’t get the oxygen the tree needs.
 
The way to deciding root flare depth when you’re planting is to make sure to find the root flare way before you plant the tree. The hole you dig for the tree you want to plant needs to be quite shallow. This is because when you put the tree in it, the root flare is evident over the soil line.
 
About the tree roots
If you are worried about bothering the tree’s roots, dig a hole to the correct depth and put the whole root ball in it. Next, get rid of the additional soil until the root flare is completely exposed. This is the time when you must backfill the opening up to the root flare’s bottom. You could get the tree in the ground and not have to wonder if you’ve done it incorrectly.
 
Even some tree care professionals might ask, “Should I be able to see a tree’s roots?” It doesn’t damage a tree to have part of its upper roots uncovered. But you can protect them by applying a layer of mulch close to the base of the root flare. Don’t forget that the root flare is, in fact, part of the trunk, not the roots. Modifying for the right root flare depth is vital to sustaining a healthy tree.

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