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Root Exposure on Trachy


Backpain

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Hi Everyone,

My wife and I are new to palms (and new to the forum). We moved to the Upstate region of SC from Kentucky about 8 years ago and thought we'd give a few a try here in USDA 7b/8a.

Here is a really nice Trachycarpus Fortunei we bought and planted in the spring of 2017.  It has done well, growing at least 2 feet in height since.  We noticed some weeks ago that at the base of the tree on one side, there appears to be root exposure at ground level.  At the s
ame level on around the trunk, it does not have this appearance.  Our first guess was a chipmunk or a vole was eating away at the bark to expose and feast on the roots.  We wrapped the base of the trunk using storm door screening material a couple weeks ago and it has not been disturbed.  But with closer looks at the pics, these roots do not appear damaged (not chewed anyway) and they are fairly symmetrical and "organized" looking to our novice eyes.  Maybe we're on the wrong track? What do you think this and is it something we need to "treat" that may eventually damage or doom the tree? :(20190825_135032.thumb.jpg.eb375c376d9415c0e309684de6f1298f.jpg

 

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The owner of the local palm nursery here thinks that’s caused when they hit an obstruction like a rock. They are then forced to grow up. 

I personally can’t say either way. 

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These are new roots being put out by the palm and are not a result of any rodent damage. If they find soil then they will keep growing or in this case they find air then they will be air pruned. Nothing to worry about and it won't damage your palm. You could put some soil there and then build up your mulch a bit just to cover it up.

Regards Neil

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10 hours ago, Neil C said:

You could put some soil there and then build up your mulch a bit just to cover it up.

^^^ Your plant will thank you! Allowing those roots to develop will be beneficial for overall health.

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dirt/mulch a little higher for sure won't hurt.  I had the same question before

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YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@tntropics - 60+ In-ground 7A palms - (Sabal) minor(7 large + 27 seedling size, 3 dwarf),  brazoria(1) , birmingham(4), etonia (1) louisiana(5), palmetto (1), riverside (1),  (Trachycarpus) fortunei(7), wagnerianus(1),  Rhapidophyllum hystrix(7),  15' Mule-Butia x Syagrus(1),  Blue Butia capitata(1) +Tons of tropical plants.  Recent Yearly Lows -1F, 12F, 11F, 18F, 16F, 3F, 3F, 6F, 3F, 1F, 16F, 17F, 6F, 8F

 

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