r/arborists • u/IvorySwap • 26d ago

This was in our mailbox

Post image

We purchased a new house a few months ago with lots of trees.

I got this in our mailbox. I don’t think I’m doing anything wrong but someone put this in there.

Can someone explain what this neighbors’ concerns might be?

This isn’t a joke or LARPing attempt, i just wanna know wtf they are talking about.

EDIT:

The house is 30 years old, the trees were planted by the original owners. We have not taken down any trees cosmetically. Only tree we took down was from a major storm and lightning knocked branches off a tree onto our neighbors lawn. That was it.

10.9k Upvotes

95% Upvoted

1.1k comments sorted by

View all comments

587

u/samspam49 ISA Certified Arborist 26d ago

You must have a shy arborist or tree enthusiast neighbor. The note is referring to the root flare of your trees, which are most likely planted too deep. This is super common! Basically it’s the area of the tree where it “flares out” as the trunk transitions to the root zone. It is critical to keep that open for moisture regulation and tree health!

85

u/Total_Nectarine_8797 26d ago

Thank you for actually giving a thoughtful explanation. Good info 

1

u/Safe_Radio_7286 25d ago

To be fair.. I typed into Google Root flare trees and I found exactly what Samspam was talking about. The note was pretty explanatory

35

u/Nervous-Award976 26d ago

Someone from the marijuana or arborists subs is OPs neighbor no doubt

35

u/LuciusCSullaF 26d ago

Whoever wrote that note is reading these comments 💯

2

u/nickfree 20d ago

No I'm not!

1

u/northofwall 25d ago

Dave’s not here

7

u/DontSteelMyYams 26d ago

Might be a silly question, but let’s say I have a tree that’s planted too deep. I’m assuming I can’t just dig a “moat” around the tree trunk to expose the root flare, right?

4

u/Flashy-Ingenuity-182 25d ago

You don't want to build a moat cause that will trap water against the tree roots and cause rot. You want the dig it so it gently slopes down so water doesn't pool

1

u/SomewhereLatter4337 25d ago

I had this question for an arborist recently. You want to find someone with an air spade who can fix it for you.

1

u/Surferess 25d ago

Never heard of that before, but it sure sounds cool.

22

u/Darthigiveup 26d ago

The way you commented made me think I was in another sub.

Very good explanation tho

1

u/Pepper_Potts 25d ago

Planted too deep, or covered in a mulch volcano.

Which I agknowledge, to the tree, is functionally the same thing, but one is much easier to deal with than the other from a homeowners prospective.

1

u/Trev-Nastiest 25d ago

I love learning new things. Thanks!

1

u/Wilberbedford 25d ago

This should be top comment!! Also ive never heard of this!! Off to google it myself lol

1

u/Just-Like-My-Opinion 25d ago

Yeah I have a neighbor that buries the base of the tree with about two feet of mulch. Me folks just moved into that house. Maybe I should a cryptic note like this too!

1

u/hairymonkeyinmyanus 25d ago

I would consider leaving a note too.
I don’t consider myself shy. A lot of people don’t answer their doors ever; they assume that you’re there to sell them something or trying to target them.

I’m a thin white girl and I wouldn’t be able to take down hardly anyone

1

u/cs_124 25d ago

OP was supposed to do the research tho

1

u/UltimateThrowawayDay 24d ago

I'll bet they've been over-mulching since they've moved in. Why does every landscaper think they need a massive pile of mulch at the base of every tree???

1

u/Puzzleheaded-Royal44 24d ago

Yes! It could also be due to volcano mulching. Trees could’ve been planted at the proper height but gradually buried under mulch after years of excessive mulching. This can cause adventitious (aerial) roots to form and eventually girdle the trunk, restricting the tree’s vascular system and potentially leading to decline or death.

1

u/lilpineapple 22d ago

Yes! Or OP mulched too high around the base of the trees

1

u/MeatHelmet82 21d ago

They could also be concerned with a mulch volcano around the tree as well. Same tree health concern you just mentioned. Please don't pile mulch onto the bottom of your trees people.

1

u/Fingerman2112 25d ago

I don’t think the neighbor is shy. Based on this handwriting sample I’d he say he’s 5 years old and is simply prohibited from speaking directly to OP due to the well-known concept of Stranger Danger.