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girdled roots

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From: Pam Ronin City: Libertyville, IL
We were recently told that our silver maple was dying because it has girdled roots. Another is very sick from the same thing. We were told it was too late to save one but the other could be saved by cutting the offending root. I have never heard of this. Is this a real problem or are we being fooled? Thank you.
	Extension Message From: Ron Wolford Extension Educator, Horticulture Cook County Unit rwolford@illinois.edu
Hi Pam, if some one told me my silver maple was not long for this earth, I would be happy. I know they are fast growing, but they are one of the most brittle and messy trees in existence. My home is surrounded by several old Silver Maples and after every storm I am picking up twigs and branches.The cost to have the girdling root removed would probably pay for a new tree without all the problems that come with Silver maples. Check out our web site on trees for more info - http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/treeselector/index.html Good luck. Ron W.
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