Craig’s Corner
1
A stem-girdling root (SGR) is a dysfunctional root growing against a tree’s trunk, squeezing or compressing the sapwood. Over time, as the root and trunk grow in diameter, the resulting compression may severely slow or stop the �low of water, nutrients, and sap to and from the roots, thereby causing the tree’s premature death or decline. Poor tree-planting practices and issues created in the nursery often predispose trees to form stem-girdling roots. Trees planted too deep are particularly prone to this phenomenon. Unfortunately, we’ve inherited many decades-old, incorrectly planted trees throughout the community. Poor planting practices, including tendencies to plant trees too deeply and/or leave intact the wire basket, burlap, or nylon twine on the tree’s root ball when planting, have �inally caught up with us. As the trunk enters the ground, a properly planted, healthy tree will show an unmistakable “root �lare.” Despite the best of intentions, when people plant trees too deeply, they often bury that essential root �lare. By removing the stem-girdling root, we can sometimes correct the problem. At the point where the root and trunk connect, if the trunk tissue is not permanently damaged, then following root removal, the normal vascular �low may return. However, if the defective root circles more than half the trunk diameter and embeds in the tree itself, removing the stem-girdling root(s) may not be possible; the defect might have already killed tissue on that side of the tree. In such cases, the most sensible remedy may be to remove and replace the tree. Craig’s Corner Our in-house horticulturist/arborist, Craig Miller, dispenses practical advice for those seeking to simultaneously conserve water and grow thriving, high-visual-impact, drought-tolerant (xeriscape) gardens and landscapes. Seafoam Artemisia (Artemisia versicolor 'Seafoam'), is a low- growing perennial that adds an amazing textural quality to any landscape. Finely �iligreed, silver-gray foliage gives a frothy appearance on a mound that will spread to nearly 3 feet wide and up to 18 inches tall. Also known as Coral Sage, because it gives the impression of a coral bed in your garden, it is useful as a groundcover under taller colorful perennials. 'Seafoam' will occasionally bloom with attractive silver and yellow �lower spikes. To keep its desired compact shape, cut off �lower stalks after blooming, which is the only maintenance required. A 2004 Plant Select ® introduction, it is rabbit- and deer-resistant, prefers full sun, and will thrive in dry, well-drained soil. Hardy to 7,000 feet. Craig can be reached at [email protected] and 303-688-8550. WHAT ARE STEM-GIRDLING ROOTS? XERIC PLANT OF THE MONTH Board Update: Visit cpnmd.org! To watch CPNMD’s special board meeting and observe the many public comments regarding the proposed Inclusion of CPNMD’s water & wastewater utilities with those of the Parker Water & Sanitation District, please click the PWSD/CPNMD logo on our homepage. Register for Mondays with McEntire, an opportunity for residents to engage directly with David McEntire in an informal, masked, socially-distanced discussion and Q&A regarding the proposed Inclusion every Monday, beginning March 8th. Join an insurgent band of volunteers, and us, for CPNMD’s second quarterly Clean-Up Castle Pines Days, 9:00 a.m. on Saint Patrick’s Day morning (Wednesday, March 17th) at Coyote Ridge Park. We will provide coffee, hot chocolate, mini-Bundt cakes, masks, gloves, and trash bags. To register, please click on the Clean-Up Castle Pines Days logo on our homepage and submit the brief online form. You may also email your RSVP to [email protected]. Stem girdling root on Linden, prior to removal After removal of the girdling root
Transcript of Craig’s Corner
A stem-girdling root (SGR) is a dysfunctional root growing against a tree’s trunk, squeezing or compressing the sapwood. Over time, as the root and trunk grow in diameter, the resulting compression may severely slow or stop the �low of water, nutrients, and sap to and from the roots, thereby causing the tree’s premature death or decline. Poor tree-planting practices and issuescreated in the nursery often predispose trees to form stem-girdling roots. Trees planted too deep are particularly prone to this phenomenon.
Unfortunately, we’ve inherited many decades-old, incorrectly planted trees throughout the community. Poor planting practices, including tendencies to plant trees too deeply and/or leave intact the wire basket, burlap, or nylon twine on the tree’s root ball when planting, have �inally caught up with us.
As the trunk enters the ground, a properly planted, healthy tree will show an unmistakable “root �lare.” Despite the best of intentions, when people plant trees too deeply, they often bury that essential root �lare. By removing the stem-girdling root, we can sometimes correct the problem. At the point where the root and trunk connect, if the trunk tissue is not permanently damaged, then following root removal, the normal vascular �low may return. However, if the defective root circles more than half the trunk diameter and embeds in the tree itself, removing the stem-girdling root(s) may not be possible; the defect might have already killed tissue on that side of the tree. In such cases, the most sensible remedy may be to remove and replace the tree.
Craig’s CornerOur in-house horticulturist/arborist, Craig Miller, dispenses practical advice for those seeking to simultaneously conserve water and grow thriving, high-visual-impact, drought-tolerant (xeriscape) gardens and landscapes.
Seafoam Artemisia (Artemisia versicolor 'Seafoam'), is a low- growing perennial that adds an amazing textural quality to any landscape. Finely �iligreed, silver-gray foliage gives a frothy appearance on a mound that will spread to nearly 3 feet wide and up to 18 inches tall. Also known as Coral Sage, because it gives the impression of a coral bed in your garden, it is useful as a groundcover under taller colorful perennials.
'Seafoam' will occasionally bloom with attractive silver and yellow �lower spikes. To keep its desired compact shape, cut off �lower stalks after blooming, which is the only maintenance required. A 2004 Plant Select® introduction, it is rabbit- and deer-resistant, prefers full sun, and will thrive in dry, well-drained soil. Hardy to 7,000 feet.
Craig can be reached at [email protected] and 303-688-8550.
WHAT ARE STEM-GIRDLING ROOTS?
XERIC PLANT OF THE MONTH
Board Update: Visit cpnmd.org!To watch CPNMD’s special board meeting and observe the many public comments regarding the proposed Inclusion of CPNMD’s water & wastewater utilities with those of the Parker Water & Sanitation District, please click the PWSD/CPNMD logo on our homepage.
Register for Mondays with McEntire, an opportunity for residents to engage directly with David McEntire in an informal, masked, socially-distanced discussion and Q&A regarding the proposed Inclusion every Monday, beginning March 8th.
Join an insurgent band of volunteers, and us, for CPNMD’s second quarterly Clean-Up Castle Pines Days, 9:00 a.m. on Saint Patrick’s Day morning (Wednesday, March 17th) at Coyote Ridge Park. We will provide co�ee, hot chocolate, mini-Bundt cakes, masks, gloves, and trash bags. To register, please click on the Clean-Up Castle Pines Days logo on our homepage and submit the brief online form. You may also email your RSVP to [email protected].
Stem girdling root on Linden, prior to removal
After removal of the girdling root
