Version 1
: Received: 10 November 2023 / Approved: 10 November 2023 / Online: 10 November 2023 (13:59:10 CET)
How to cite:
Koeser, A.; Grabosky, J.; Benson, A.; Morgenroth, J. Root Regrowth and Discoloration in Quercus virginiana Mill. Following Linear Trenching. Preprints2023, 2023110718. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202311.0718.v1
Koeser, A.; Grabosky, J.; Benson, A.; Morgenroth, J. Root Regrowth and Discoloration in Quercus virginiana Mill. Following Linear Trenching. Preprints 2023, 2023110718. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202311.0718.v1
Koeser, A.; Grabosky, J.; Benson, A.; Morgenroth, J. Root Regrowth and Discoloration in Quercus virginiana Mill. Following Linear Trenching. Preprints2023, 2023110718. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202311.0718.v1
APA Style
Koeser, A., Grabosky, J., Benson, A., & Morgenroth, J. (2023). Root Regrowth and Discoloration in <em>Quercus virginiana</em> Mill. Following Linear Trenching. Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202311.0718.v1
Chicago/Turabian Style
Koeser, A., Andrew Benson and Justin Morgenroth. 2023 "Root Regrowth and Discoloration in <em>Quercus virginiana</em> Mill. Following Linear Trenching" Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202311.0718.v1
Abstract
Background: As long-lived organisms, urban trees often encounter development and redevelopment activities in close proximity during their lifespans. These activities can damage tree roots, often through methods like root severing during trenching or excavation. Methods: In 2017, we simulated trenching damage on mature Quercus virginiana Mill. trees at three different distances from the base (3x, 6x, and 12x the stem diameter). After five years, we revisited these trees to assess root regrowth based on the cut root's cross-sectional area (CSA) and distance from the base. Results: We 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 (minimum P-value = 0.841). On average, the observed CSA of the regrowth was 22.2% of the original root's CSA. Only our original trenching treatments significantly predicted the level of regrowth observed five years after pruning (P-value = 0.024). Discoloration due to root pruning was minimal. Conclusion: In 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 but primarily helps reduce initial stress on the tree.
Keywords
Best Management Practices; Construction; Root Growth; Root Severing; Southern Live Oak; Tree Protection
Subject
Biology and Life Sciences, Forestry
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
