Consequences of covering the base of a pine trunk with soil

Covering  the base of a pine trunk with soil is a common problem, which is also called ‘Root collar deepening’.  In this article, we will consider what it is and what consequences it has for pine trees.

What is root collar burying?

Burying the root collar or covering the base of the pine trunk with soil can have very negative consequences for the health of the pine tree, as degenerative changes occur when the bark covers of the pine trunk base come into contact with the soil, such as the roots of the plant growing into the trunk.

Covering the base of the pine trunk with soil

  Consequences of covering the root collar of a pine trunk

Covering the base of the trunk can have the following negative effects on the plant:

• Due to the increased humidity of tissues immersed in the soil under its pressure, there is a violation of gas exchange, rotting and limitation of space for tissue development, impaired filtration and infection with fungal and bacterial microflora in the bast layer of the bark;
• The function of cambium, the constitutive tissue from which new bast and wood tissue is formed, is impaired. The consequence of this problem is a violation of growth in thickness, self-renewal of the plant, and formation of new wood.

The root system of the plant does not provide a sufficient level of mineral and nutrient supply to the plant, as a result, plants are more susceptible to stem pests;

• Tissue regeneration stops;
• Root system nutrition, self-healing and development deteriorates significantly, and therefore the colour of the needles changes, the needles wither, turn yellow and fall off;
• Slowing down of pine growth, delay of annual growth of the plant in thickness;

Fungal infections can spread due to increased soil moisture. The presence of the fungus already weakens the plant, reduces its resistance and level of protection against adverse environmental factors. For example, climate change, prolonged drought in summer or heavy rainfall in autumn;

If the roots of the pine tree do not receive enough oxygen, this can lead to a weakening of the root system, which can cause the plant to die.

Consequences of covering the root collar of a pine trunk

Please note! It is necessary to release the root necks before the root system covers appear on the surface.

If you want to maintain the health and beauty of pine trees as an important component of the ecosystem, do not neglect the problem of covering the base of the pine trunk with soil, and at the first sign of disease, contact the experts of the Green Clinic Ecosystem Planning Centre by phone: +380632851405