Girdling: The complete removal of a ring of bark around the trunk or branch of a tree, eventually killing the portion above the girdle.
Girdling effectively cuts off the flow of nutrients and water between the roots and the upper parts of a tree. The phloem, just beneath the bark, is responsible for transporting sugars produced by the leaves down to the roots. When this is severed, the roots are starved. Simultaneously, the xylem, which carries water and minerals upwards, is also disrupted, preventing the leaves from receiving essential resources. The combined effect leads to the tree’s death above the girdled area.
While girdling is sometimes intentionally used in forestry to kill unwanted trees, it’s generally something to avoid in home gardens. Accidental girdling can occur from string trimmers, animal chewing, or even tightly wrapped wires or labels around a branch or trunk. If you notice a branch or trunk appearing to be dying back from the top down, check for signs of girdling. If caught early enough, sometimes bridging the gap with a carefully grafted piece of bark can save the tree.
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