Quercus virginianaMill. Root Regrowth Following Linear Trenching

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundAs long-lived organisms, urban trees often encounter development and redevelopment activities during their lifespans. These activities can damage tree roots, often through methods like root severing during trenching or excavation.MethodsIn 2017, we simulated trenching damage on matureQuercus virginianaMill. trees at 3 different distances from the base (3, 6, or 12 times the stem diameter). After 5 years, we revisited these trees to assess root regrowth based on the cut root’s cross-sectional area (CSA) and distance from the base.ResultsWe observed regrowth in all but 38 (6.7%) of the 557 cut roots revisited. The lack of regrowth in some roots was not associated with our original treatments, the CSA of the roots at the time of trenching, or distance between the cut root end and the trunk (minimumP-value = 0.841). On average, the observed CSA of the regrowth was 22.2% of the original root’s CSA. Only our initial trenching treatments (P-value = 0.024) and the distance between the trunk and the cut root end (P-value = 0.002) significantly predicted the level of regrowth observed 5 years after pruning.ConclusionsIn summary, our findings indicate that root systems require many years to recover from trenching damage. Increasing the distance between trenching activities and trees may have a minor effect on root regrowth.