Tree root question

[burgerboy]

Hi all,

Please let me know if this forum is not intended for question like the ones I asking about below.

We recently have a mature pine tree that had protruding roots but due to aeration and overseeding by a contractor, punctured some holes into it. I would say maybe 3-4 and punctures are an inch or so maybe. The protruding roots are maybe 10 feet or so away from the actual tree itself. and the tree itself is like 60 feet tall. A few questions:

1) Any idea what the odds are of this in terms of harm to this mature tree, if any? I know lawnmowing sometimes could cut protruding roots as well but it never occurred to me this could be harmful to trees until I read more about it on the internet.
2) What if anything can be done to assist the tree in the healing process? I've heard about putting mulch over the roots but not really sure.

Thanks.

 

[cerviarborist]

The situation you pose is rather complex for a pat answer. You would do well to contact a local ISA Arborist, using the www.isa-arbor.com site. Put in your zip code and you'll get a list of arborists practicing in your area. Call as many as you can and make sure that you narrow the field to those arborist who, rather than specializing in pruning and removal, are more focused on preserving trees during construction, plant health care, tree risk assessment and plant appraisal (in case the tree can't be salvaged and you decide to seek damages against the contractor)