root girding

[bhenrybraun]

what causes this tree problem.? can it be treated?Tree is Japanese Maple about 25 yrs old.

[Philtaz]

Is the maple in a pot/container? If so it needs root pruning but this is the wrong time of year to do it. Wait until next April/May. Remove the tree from the pot and cut away all the long dangling roots that have encircled the root ball. You'll guess how much to cut, it's a common sense approach. Cut wedge shapes into the root ball to encourage new root growth. Re-pot and DO NOT FEED for one month as this will 'burn' new roots.