Large roots were torn out of the ground during excavation as seen in the following two photos. The lens cap is two inches in diameter. These are major roots responsible for anchoring the tree in the ground and supplying water and nutrients to the tree. Roots that are torn during excavation should be cut off clean with the a sharp saw. This helps increase the formation of callus tissue (wound wood) from which new roots develop.

In addition to root damage occurring when the hole was excavated, several inches of top soil was removed between the tree and excavation hole. Bark was scraped off the top of large roots when this was done. These roots are now open to infection by rot fungi. If the tree is allowed to remain, these roots will likely rot back to the main trunk resulting in a tree highly likely to fall.

The homeowner was advised to contact a consulting arborist to place a value on the tree, and then to have the tree removed by a qualified, licensed arborist. If the tree is not removed it is likely to fall. The direction of fall will be away from the root damage onto a fence and neighboring home. The homeowner was also advised to pursue steps necessary to recoup the value of the tree and its removal. The costs necessary to replace the damaged landscape should also be included.

If the excavation and other observed root damage was within a utility easement, the homeowner will have no chance of recouping the value of the tree, the costs associated with its removal, etc.

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