Girdling roots form when a tree's roots circle back on themselves instead of spreading out, often because the tree was planted too close to a foundation, sidewalk, or driveway. Over time that root can wrap the trunk and choke it slowly.
Because it happens below the soil line, a girdling root can go unnoticed for years while the canopy still looks healthy. By the time thinning or dieback appears above ground, the damage has usually been building for a while.
We frequently find this in older Houston neighborhoods where trees were planted close to hardscaping decades ago. Root correction can sometimes save the tree if it's caught early enough.
If you have a tree planted close to a structure or driveway, an assessment now can determine whether root correction is still an option.
A clear photo of an exposed girdling root at a trunk base, ideally from a real Houston job, or a documented root correction. Ground-level, close shots communicate the issue clearly for search viewers.
Canva text suggestion: "Roots can strangle a tree slowly" or "Planted too close to your foundation?"