Glossary term
What is Root flare?
Short answer
Root flare is the widened base of a trunk where it meets the roots at the soil line.
Root flare, explained for tree service owners
The root flare, sometimes called the trunk flare, is the place near the ground where the trunk widens as it turns into roots. On a healthy tree, you should be able to see it at the soil surface. When mulch is piled high against the trunk or soil is added on top, the flare gets buried, and that can lead to rot and weak roots. For a tree service owner, checking the root flare is a quick way to spot problems before you cut anything. It also helps with planting jobs, since a new tree should be set so the flare sits at or just above the ground. Show homeowners a photo of a flare that is buried and one that is clear.
Related terms
- Lead
Lead is a person or household that has shown interest in a business's service, for example by calling, texting or filling in a form, but…
- Buttress roots
Buttress roots are wide, thick roots at the base of a trunk that help hold a tree upright.
- Cambium
Cambium is the thin layer of living cells just under the bark that makes new wood inward and new bark outward each year.
- Canopy
Canopy is the layer of branches and leaves formed by the crowns of a tree or of many trees together.
- Conifer
A conifer is a tree that makes seeds in cones and usually has needles or scale-like leaves.
- Crown
Crown is the upper part of a tree made of branches, twigs and leaves, growing from the trunk.
- Evergreen tree
An evergreen tree is a tree that keeps green leaves or needles all year and replaces them gradually.
- Excurrent form
Excurrent form is a tree shape with one strong central trunk and side branches, like a pine or spruce.
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