QuestionWe had to remove two maples due to strangling roots. We replaced them with a river birch that has grow into a beautiful tree. We've noticed several smaller roots growing off the main truck of this tree. Are these trees known to develop strangling roots?
AnswerOnly if they are potted can they develop strangling roots. The small roots are normal. Unless the soil is heavy clay and the hole was dug too small the roots will be ok. Sometimes when a hole is dug in heavy clay soil the sides of the hole are smooth and it makes a pot in the ground. The roots can not penetrate the sides of the hole and water will collect in the "pot". The roots will grow in a circle and the be drowned by the water trapped. This is more than likely NOT the case here. Sounds normal to me.
