Common Abiotic Plant Problems This fact sheet deals with typical abiotic If a soil grade must be changed,

If a soil grade must be changed, plan to

problems of woody construct tree wells and
Local Governments - U.S. Department of
Agriculture Cooperating plants, especially trees. Woody plants, unlike perforated pipe systems to provide the roots
herbaceous plants, with needed oxygen.
The University of Maryland is equal
opportunity. The University’s policies, are most severely affected by abiotic Consultation with an arborist can be very
programs, and activities are in conformance problems. Herbaceous helpful. Three
with pertinent Federal and State laws and
regulations on nondiscrimination plants tend to adapt better to adverse site inches of soil is the maximum depth that can
conditions than safely be added
regarding race, color, religion, age, national
origin, sex, and disability. Inquiries regarding woody plants. They also are less expensive, not without making special provisions. No
compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act as permanent, additional soil should
of 1964, as amended: Title IX of the
Educational and easier to replace if they die than trees and touch the trunk. Problems caused by soil grade
shrubs. changes take a
Amendments; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973; and the Americans With Unfortunately, by the time many gardeners long time to manifest themselves. Die-back or
Disabilities Act of 1990; or related legal notice that a tree or complete death of
requirements should be directed to the
Director of Personnel/Human
shrub is dying, it is already too late for a cure. a tree may not occur for two to five years.
That is why the Drought or excessive
Relations, Office of the Dean, College of
Agriculture and Natural Resources, Symons
recognition and prevention of adverse site rain may hasten the decline.
Hall, College Park, MD 20742.
conditions is very
Remedy: Unfortunately, when distress
Diagnosing a plant problem when there are no
important. symptoms become severe,
apparent biotic

Regular consultations with a licensed and it is usually too late for any recovery, even
(disease pathogen or pest) causes can present
certified tree expert after the excess
a real challenge.

(arborist) can be very helpful. Problems with soil has been removed. If the distress
An abiotic plant problem is not caused by any
trees require a site symptoms are not too
disease organisms

visit for an accurate diagnosis. Always select severe, recovery may occur if the excess soil
or insects. An accurate diagnosis, whether
an arborist who is over the root system
biotic or abiotic,

a member of a professional association, such is carefully removed.

involves both science, (botany, entomology
as the Maryland
and pathology)
Soil Compaction
Arborist Association or the International Society
and art (strategy, investigation and decision
of Soil compaction is a major problem after
making). Abiotic
construction. Its affects
Arboriculture. You may also want to check
problems can be very difficult to diagnose
references regarding will last for years before it gradually improves.
because they
When the
their performance.
include site conditions, weather and cultural
soil is compressed by heavy construction
practices.
Soil Grade Changes equipment, trucks,

Determining the difference between the

Grade changes typically are necessary during cars, and heavy pedestrian traffic, the soil
“symptom” and the
new building construction. structure is damaged.

“sign” of a problem is the first step in making a

Any addition or subtraction from the natural The air spaces (macro-pores) in the soil are
diagnosis. A
soil reduced or eliminated.

“symptom” is the plant’s reaction to the causal

grade will adversely affect tree roots. Certain Wet soil and soil with a high clay content
agent. Typical
species of trees compacts very

distress symptoms of an abiotic problem may

respond to grade changes differently than quickly.
include very slow
others. Sometimes,

growth, poor foliage color, scorch, sparse Roots need the oxygen present in the macro-
very young plants adjust to minor soil grade pore spaces in the
growth, die-back, or
changes. However,

even death of the plant. A “sign” is the actual soil. Soil compaction is a slow but sure process
older, well established trees and shrubs are that causes
presence of
very sensitive

organisms such as insects, mites, or fungal poor growth and even death of mature, well-
to grade changes around their root systems. established woody
mycelia (the vegetative
Trees particularly

part of a fungus). Insect or disease injury may plants.

sensitive to grade changes are American
be present
beech, tulip poplar and Remedy: A soil analysis for nutrients, pH and
but not severe enough to be the primary cause bulk density can
oak. Soil placed over roots reduces soil
of the problem.
aeration, and soil placed be very useful in starting a remedy plan for
problem soils. Compacted
against the trunk decays lower trunk bark.
soils in a planting bed can be improved by Arborists and landscape maintenance Remedy: There is very little that can be done
tilling-in liberal professionals can for roots damaged

amounts of organic matter prior to planting. Do add mycorhizae to the soil around trees. by digging. Fortunately, a minor amount of
not add it damage may have
Changes in Water Flow
directly to the planting hole, as this will cause no visible effect but severe damage will cause
water to collect in Changes in the natural flow of rain water can branch die-back.
have an adverse
the hole after planting. There are three The best help for root-damaged trees or shrubs
methods of adding organic effect on plants. Sometimes, correction of is to prevent
drainage problems
matter to soils: vertical mulching, radial any additional stress. Keep them watered
trenching and elsewhere on a site diverts water to a tree or during droughts and
shrub, adding more
roto-tilling. provide a light fertilization in the spring or fall
water than it can handle. Another common to stimulate new
Vertical mulching is a method of drilling two problem is a downspout
inch wide holes, ten growth.
that does not drain away from the house
inches deep, in the soil throughout a tree’s root because of excessive Soluble Salt Damage to Roots
system. Fill
mulch or other obstructions. The resulting Root damage can occur from excessive
them with peat moss, compost, wood chips, puddling in fertilizer and misplaced
mulch or similar
the garden damages plants. The damage may ice-melt products. High application rates of
organic matter. The small columns of organic not appear until fertilizer or ice-melt
matter will improve
dry weather, when the plant is under drought products containing rock salt can burn roots,
water and air penetration. stress. resulting in leaf

Radial trenching requires digging trenches ten Remedy: Take the time to observe the flow of scorch or death of the plant.
inches deep, water after a rain
Remedy: A soluble salts test, if done as soon as
filled with organic matter, in a radial pattern or irrigation. Look for leaking gutters and possible before
from the tree trunk downspouts that do
too much rain, will reveal the problem of over-
out beyond the drip line. not empty far enough away from the building. fertilization or icemelt
Correcting a
Tilling involves working in organic matter in the product damage. Soluble salts test results
same way as problem can be as simple as removing a little above 2.5
soil or mulch away
preparing a vegetable or flower garden. Never millimohs are excessive for most plants. With
till the soil under from one spot to let the water flow away either type of
naturally. In some
an established tree, as too many roots will be damage, quickly irrigating with large amounts
damaged. However, cases, a total regrading of the site may be of water to flush
necessary.
trees planted for less than two years can safely the fertilizer salts is the course of action.
be tilled Mechanical Root Damage Recovery may be successful,

beyond the drip line. Most of the feeder roots of trees or shrubs are depending on the amount of roots killed by the
within the upper salt.
The addition of gypsum or lime, either to the
soil surface or six inches of the soil. Any digging, trenching, or Poor Soil Drainage
roto-tilling
tilled-in, is also beneficial in breaking up a The efficient movement of water through the
compacted clay soil. within the root area of established trees or soil is critical to
shrubs will cause
But, it alone is not a substitute for organic root health. Soil with good porosity, such as
matter. harm. Their recovery depends on the depth of one rich in organic
the digging and
There is much recent evidence to show that matter, is capable of handling large quantities
some tree roots the amount of ground covered. People easily of water with no
forget the damage
respond to the addition of mycorhizae into the harmful effects to plant roots. Most landscape
root area. done when they install a driveway, patio or soils are not this
otherwise excavate
Mycorhizae are naturally-occuring soil fungi. ideal and drainage during rainy weather is a
They live in a their yard, believing that if there are no challenge.
immediate symptoms
symbiotic relationship with tree roots. The Some popular landscape plants, such as white
roots benefit from their plants are unharmed. Unfortunately, this pines, azaleas,
is not true. Root
their presence. Unfortunately, mycorhizae are rhododendrons and yews, are very prone to
lacking in soils damage may haunt the plant months or even root decay and
years later, depending
that have been severely disturbed during become pre-disposed to fungal root diseases
building construction. on the environmental stresses that occurred. when grown in
wet sites. only remedy is to reduce the water stress on eventually kill the plant. It usually takes a few
the tree or shrub by seasons for a
Remedy: Inspect the condition of the roots
when digging out a keeping it watered and giving it a fertilization newly planted tree or shrub to die from this.
in the spring or fall
dying plant. Dead roots are black or dark Various symptoms point to excessively deep
brown when scraped. to increase growth. If the damage is not too planting. Some
severe, new bark
Consistently wet soils will also have a foul odor new growth may develop each spring, only to
caused by the tissue will form around the wound and die-off during the
eventually close it. Prevent
anaerobic bacteria growing in it. A standard stress of summer. Advanced symptoms of
field test to check damage to young trees by using trunk guards. depth-related stress
Do not pile
soil drainage is done by making a hole 18- are cankers and deep cracking of the bark. A
inches deep and filling mulch against the trunk of a tree or shrub. A canker is an area of
properly applied
it with water. The water level should drop three dead tissue on a woody stem. Some shallow
inches every mulch ring will not harm a trunk. cracking of bark is

half hour. Correct the drainage problem by Girdling Roots normal for many trees as the trunk grows. A
adding organic matter tree may survive
A girdling root is a root that is growing around
to the entire planting bed, not just the planting the trunk at or until fall but may not survive the winter
hole. Set the because of an insufficient
below the soil line, gradually strangling the
new tree or shrub a little higher than the trunk. Some trees, storage of food reserves caused by the
existing soil grade. damaged bark.
such as maples, zelkovas, elms and birches,
Mound the soil gradually to the top of the root are particularly prone Remedy: A properly planted and established
ball. It is always tree flares at the
to their formation. Trees and shrubs that are
best to match the right plant with the site. Do container-grown base of the trunk where it joins the root
not choose system. If this is not
and pot-bound frequently develop girdling
species of trees or shrubs that can not tolerate roots. It is important visible, then be suspicious of deep planting or
wet conditions another problem
to spread roots of pot-bound plants to prevent
for poorly draining soils. this problem. such as girdling roots.

Lower Trunk Damage Remedy: Girdling roots take years to develop. Perform a root collar excavation. Carefully
Early detection is remove the soil from
Some decline and die-back problems in woody
plants are caused important. Young roots that are visible on the the circumference of the trunk to the point
soil surface and where the trunk flares
by stem or trunk damage. Damage may be
overlooked because cutting into a tree trunk should be cut and out into root growth. If the tree or shrub was
removed. Make a recently planted it
it is very close to the ground or even under the
ground. Severe clean cut with a sharp wood chisel and remove can be lifted and replanted.
it. No wound
bark damage creates a strain on a plant’s To avoid excessive settling in future plantings,
ability to transport dressing is recommended. Removal of large do not loosen
girdling roots (over
water, nutrients and food. the soil in the bottom of the planting hole. It is
two inches in diameter) is a more involved also recommended
A number of things can cause trunk and stem process. It is best to
damage. Bark can to plant trees and shrubs with the top of the
seek the advice of a consulting arborist when root ball
be damaged by frost cracking, excessive considering their
mulch, mowers, weed slightly above the existing soil line. This
removal. practice is particularly
trimmers, and biotic causes such as rabbits,
voles, groundhogs, Planting Too Deeply helpful when planting in heavy clay soils that
tend to drain
and deer. Small amounts of damage can be Many trees and shrubs are set too deeply from
tolerated but repeated the time of planting, poorly.

damage that results in large masses of scar or they settle too deeply over time. A planting Excessive Mulch
tissue is a depth of only
Mulch is used around plants to help conserve
serious problem. Below-ground tree failure one-inch too deep can cause trouble. It is not soil moisture,
often results from uncommon to see
moderate soil temperatures and reduce weeds.
lower trunk damage. trees planted as much as three or more inches The recommended
too deep. Deep
Remedy: Damaged bark can not be repaired or depth is approximately three inches. Each
reattached. The planting causes bark deterioration at the soil year, many gardeners
line, which will
add liberal amounts of mulch to trees and windy site and staking is absolutely necessary, plants. These reactions are the plant’s way of
shrubs, believing it is be sure to cover coping. By

the “correct” thing to do. Over time, it can the wire around the trunk with a rubber hose to dropping leaves, they go into a semi-dormant
accumulate to depths protect the condition until

of five, six or more inches. Excessive mulch trunk. Secure the wires so that there is some better conditions return. Extended periods of
depth reduces soil movement of the below-average

oxygen for the roots. The roots, in their search tree. Prevent future problems by removing the rainfall and extreme heat can weaken woody
for oxygen, grow wires and stakes plants. Some smaller

into the mulch. During drought, the mulch dries after the first year. specimens may die in the first year while larger
out and the ones may become
Another very common form of trunk girdling is
roots in the mulch die. When mulch is piled up caused by the susceptible to borer infestations and exhibit
against the dieback a few
nylon cords used on ball and burlap plants. The
trunks of trees and shrubs the bark decays and cords are tied years later.
the entire plant
around the trunk at the top of the root ball. Remedy: Mature trees should be managed
may die. They will not decay, carefully to offset

Remedy: As the old mulch decomposes it can and if not cut loose will eventually kill the plant drought conditions. Recently planted or other
be gently worked as the trunk smaller, trees and

into the planting bed to improve the soil, or expands. Also, be aware of synthetic burlap. shrubs should be monitored for proper
removed and worked This is a plastic moisture requirements

into other garden areas. Additional mulch may material that is very often used instead of to maintain plant health. Plants that were
be added occasionally natural burlap because container-grown from

to supplement the existing covering. For it does not rot in the nursery. Unfortunately, it the nursery are especially prone to drying out
complete also because of the

remulching, remove the old mulch before the prevents roots from growing through it when very porous mixture used in the pots. Soak the
new is applied. planted. This root ball when

Save the old mulch as a valuable soil additive should be removed after the tree or shrub is watering. Foliar anti-dessicants can also be
for gardens. set into the planting very helpful.

Some desirable mulching materials are pine site. Natural burlap should be cut loose from Herbicide damage
bark, hardwood bark, around the trunk
Many homeowners use herbicides to control
chopped leaves, pine needles, and aged wood and removed down to the soil line. It will broadleaf weeds
chips. decompose in a short
in the lawn. These are called ‘selective’
Mechanical Girdling of the Trunk time. herbicides because they

Often, newly planted landscape trees are Remedy: Remove staking wires or nylon cords kill only broad-leaf plants without harming the
secured with wire and that have become grass. Most contain

wooden stakes to prevent them from leaning. imbedded in the trunk. In many cases it cannot 2,4-D and are safe and work well when the
Unfortunately, be pulled proper precautions

these wires remain on too long or are never out. The best thing to do is to simply cut them are followed. If they are applied during very hot
removed. Over time, in several places or breezy

most trees eventually die from strangulation. In to relieve the pressure. If corrected early weather they may drift onto nearby landscape
some cases, enough the tree might plants and cause

trees actually do survive. Staking newly recover. harm. Selective herbicides are absorbed by the
planted landscape trees foliage. The
Heat and Drought Stress
is a very old practice whose benefit is now typical damage symptom is a curling and
questioned. If a tree Trees and shrubs, like all other plants, react to deformation of the
extreme dryness
has a proper size root ball and is correctly foliage. New growth is especially sensitive.
planted, there usually and heat. It takes much longer for them to Crabgrass pre-emergent
show symptoms of
is no need for staking. Research has shown herbicides cause no harm to landscape plants.
that trees tightly the stress because of their size and deep roots.
Although heat Remedy: Sometimes, the herbicide damage
secured have no trunk movement. This will be quite severe.
interferes with proper and dryness cause symptoms such as leaf
yellowing, scorch In these cases the plant may die. Usually,
root growth and trunk development. If a tree is however, the damage
planted in a and dropping, they usually do no permanent
harm to established
is outgrown and the plant recovers. If it is Changes in water flow
known that the plant
Bark rotting at the base of the tree or shrub
was sprayed by an herbicide, an immediate Planting too deeply
hosing of the foliage
Excessive mulch
with water can reduce the damage. After the
herbicide has dried Girdling roots

on the foliage for 3 - 4 hours, it is absorbed by Bark cracking along trunk Mechanical root
the plant and damage

cannot be rinsed off. Lower trunk damage

GUIDE FOR DIAGNOSING ABIOTIC PROBLEMS Girdling roots

Symptom Possible Causes Planting too deeply

Older leaves turning yellow Early heat and Severe heat and drought stress
drought stress
Frost cracking and sunscald
Early stage of poor soil drainage
Lightening injury
Nutritional problems

Normal deterioration of older foliage

Summary
Interveinal leaf yellowing (chlorosis) Soil pH
problem The most difficult plant problems to diagnose
are not usually
Very early stages of heat and drought stress
caused by an insect or disease but are cultural
Leaf scorch (brown edges) throughout the tree and site-related.
or shrub Heat and drought stress
In a natural, undisturbed soil, nutrition
Soluble salt damage deficiencies are not much

Poor soil drainage of a factor. Most soils in Maryland have fairly

good levels of
Soil compaction
nutrients. However, in an urban or disturbed
Leaves dropping while still green or beginning soil there may be a
to turn yellow Heat and drought stress
very high pH and micro-nutrient problems. You
Leaves twisting and curling Herbicide damage are also more

Die-back of branches Severe drought stress
Severe soluble salt damage
Poor soil drainage
likely to see damage caused by excessive
fertilizer. Take the time
to answer some ‘historical’ questions about the
plant’s health

Girdling roots and care. You can prevent many problems by

beginning with a
Mechanical damage to trunk
soil analysis, planting recommended varieties
Changes in soil grade of plants and following

Stunted, poor growth, lack of establishment proper planting procedure.

Soil compaction

Planting too deeply

Drought and heat stress

Excessive mulch

Poor soil drainage

Decline and eventual death of established

trees and shrubs Girdling roots

Mechanical girdling of the trunk /stem

Planting too deeply

Soil grade changes