The Importance of Root Collar Excavation
Healthy Trees Start at the Root: Protect Your Landscape Investments
Trees enhance property values by up to 20% when thriving, but hidden stressors like improper planting depth and “mulch volcanoes” can silently compromise their health. At United Land Services, our certified arborists specialize in root collar excavation—a proven solution to reverse decline caused by:
Buried Root Flares
- Trees should never resemble telephone poles at soil level
- Proper root flare exposure enables oxygen exchange, critical for photosynthesis
- Deep planting leads to moisture retention, bark rot, and disease susceptibility
Mulch Mismanagement
While mulch benefits landscapes, mounding it against trunks:
- Creates oxygen-deprived environments
- Promotes girdling roots that strangle tree vascular systems
- Invites pests and fungal pathogens
Girdling Root Dangers
When roots circle trunks due to oxygen starvation (from deep planting or excess mulch), they:
- Restrict water/nutrient flow
- Cause canopy thinning and branch dieback
- Ultimately lead to tree failure
Our Diagnostic Process
Using air-spade technology:
- Safely excavate soil/mulch to expose root collars
- Identify girdling roots for precision pruning
- Amend compacted soils and re-grade for proper drainage
- Apply targeted nutrients to accelerate recovery
Why Choose United Land Services?
With 20+ years serving the Southeast:
✔️ Advanced arboricultural techniques
✔️ Region-specific tree health knowledge
✔️ 1,400+ trained professionals equipped with industry-leading tools








