Root Girdling
Don’t let hidden root problems kill your tree. Root girdling is a serious condition that can choke the life out of even the healthiest trees—especially if left untreated. At Tree Care Enterprises, we specialize in diagnosing and safely correcting girdling roots before they cause irreversible damage.
Vetted & Insured
Our certified arborists are fully insured and ready to care for your trees with precision and expertise.
Nationally Recognized
Tree Care Enterprises was named one of the country's "Top 20" tree care companies by TCI Magazine, the industry's most trusted publication.
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It Looks Like Roots Are Strangling My Tree!
If you’ve noticed exposed roots curling around the base—or your tree seems stressed without explanation—you may be looking at girdling roots.
Girdling roots form when roots grow around the trunk or major roots instead of spreading outward. Over time, they apply pressure that chokes off water and nutrients, starving your tree from the inside out.
What Is Root Girdling?
Root girdling occurs when a tree’s roots begin to encircle the trunk instead of growing outward. These circling roots compress the tree’s vascular system, cutting off water and nutrient flow between the roots and canopy. Over time, this can lead to poor growth, decline, and even tree death.
Some of the most commonly affected tree species include:
- Maples (especially red and Norway)
- Lindens (basswood)
- White pines
Signs of Girdling Roots
Recognizing the symptoms early can save your tree. Watch for:
- Thinning crown or reduced canopy growth
- Early leaf drop or premature fall color—often on one side
- A trunk that appears flat on one side or lacks a visible root flare
- Roots visibly circling the base of the trunk, at or just below ground level
If you see these signs, your tree may be in distress due to root girdling.
How Tree Care Enterprises Can Help
Correcting root girdling requires precision. Improper removal of girdling roots can do more harm than good. That’s why it’s important to work with certified arborists who understand root biology and tree structure.
Our process includes:
- A thorough inspection of your tree’s health and root system
- Identification of girdling roots and the extent of damage
- Careful root pruning or removal when appropriate
- A custom care plan to support recovery and reduce future risk
Our ISA-Certified Arborists and TCIA-Accredited team will ensure your tree receives the expert attention it needs to survive and thrive.
The Sooner, The Better
Girdling roots don’t correct themselves. The longer they’re left in place, the more stress they place on your tree—and the harder it is to reverse the damage. Early intervention is key.
Serving Illinois and Wisconsin
Tree Care Enterprises proudly serves homeowners and property managers across Rockford, IL, Lake Geneva, WI, and the surrounding areas. With decades of experience, we’re your trusted partner for tree diagnosis and preservation.
Free Tree Disease Assessment
Suspect Girdling Roots? Schedule an Inspection Today.
Call (815) 965-5757 or visit treecareenterprises.com to book a consultation with one of our certified arborists.
Tree Care Enterprises — Addressing the Root of the Problem
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What our customers say
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I couldn’t believe the difference Tree Care Enterprises made to my property. The tree care services were exceptional. Highly recommended!
I couldn’t believe the difference Tree Care Enterprises made to my property. The tree care services were exceptional. Highly recommended!
I couldn’t believe the difference Tree Care Enterprises made to my property. The tree care services were exceptional. Highly recommended!
I couldn’t believe the difference Tree Care Enterprises made to my property. The tree care services were exceptional. Highly recommended!
I couldn’t believe the difference Tree Care Enterprises made to my property. The tree care services were exceptional. Highly recommended!
I couldn’t believe the difference Tree Care Enterprises made to my property. The tree care services were exceptional. Highly recommended!
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about our tree services.
Yes, we specialize in storm damage cleanup, including tree removal, branch clearing, and landscape restoration after severe weather events.
Tree Care Enterprises combines 44+ years of experience, certified arborists, TCIA accreditation, and a commitment to safety and customer satisfaction. We’re one of the nation’s top 20 accredited tree care companies, delivering unmatched expertise and care to every project.
Regular pruning improves tree health, promotes safe growth, and enhances the beauty of your landscape. It also reduces the risk of falling branches and ensures the safety of your property.
You can schedule an appointment by calling us at 815-965-5757 or using the "Schedule An Appointment" feature on our website. Our team will assist you in setting up a consultation with a certified arborist.
Yes, Tree Care Enterprises is accredited by the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), a recognition awarded to the top tree care companies for their commitment to safety and professionalism.
Yes, we provide full-scale landscaping services, including design, installation of patios, retaining walls, landscape lighting, and irrigation systems.
Our mulch and topsoil are sustainably produced in-house, free from harmful contaminants, and perfect for landscaping projects. By recycling tree trimmings and debris, we create eco-friendly products that benefit your property and the environment.
Absolutely. Our certified arborists are trained in aerial tree removal techniques, ensuring safe and efficient removal of large or dangerous trees.
Yes, we specialize in disease management and pest control, including treatments for threats like Emerald Ash Borer, Spotted Lanternfly, and Needle Cast Disease.
Safety is our top priority. Our team undergoes regular training, including first aid, CPR, and TCIA's Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP) program. We follow industry standards to ensure safe operations for both our employees and customers.
Yes, we offer free consultations and estimates for all our services. Contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our certified arborists.
We serve Rockford, IL, and surrounding areas, including Roscoe, New Milford, Belvidere, and Westmoreland. In Wisconsin, we serve Lake Geneva, Williams Bay, Fontana-on-Geneva Lake, Walworth, and Genoa City.
Tree Care Enterprises has been serving the Stateline area for over 44 years, providing expert tree care and landscaping since 1978.
Tree Care Enterprises offers tree pruning, removal, disease management, emergency services, landscaping, irrigation, and snow removal. We also produce eco-friendly mulch and topsoil for landscaping projects.
Yes, we provide 24/7 emergency tree services for storm damage or hazardous tree situations. Call us anytime at 815-965-5757.
Yes, all our arborists are ISA-certified (International Society of Arboriculture) and continuously trained to ensure the highest standards of tree care and safety.