Root Flare – The root flare (or root collar

What happens if you bury the root flare?

Moisture from soil covering the root flare can soften tree bark, allowing pathogens and insects to penetrate the bark and damage your tree. … When your tree’s root flare is buried, you may not see girdling roots. These girdling roots can “choke” the tree by limiting uptake of water, nutrients and oxygen.

Do all trees need root flare?

None. They all have formidable root flares, where the trunk gets wide and meets the soil line. From that soil line to 12 inches down is where you will find most tree roots.