Is Your Tree Secretly Buried?
Over 90% of Minneapolis trees are suffering from buried root flares, leading to decline, decay, and risk. We gently uncover the problem to restore your tree's health.
Why it's critical for new trees: Based on University of Minnesota research showing over 90% of local boulevard trees have buried root flares, this affordable check is the best way to diagnose a highly probable, yet often hidden, issue threatening your tree.
Fair, Transparent Pricing Based on Tree Size.
Our recommended first step for any established tree is our affordable Flare Check diagnostic service. The price of the check is credited towards any excavation service you book.
Tree Size (Diameter) | Price Range | Typical Duration | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
Large (>12–18" DBH) | $395 - $550+ | 2 – 3.5 hr+ | Valuable, mature specimens. |
Medium (6–12" DBH) | $275 - $395 | 1.5 – 2.5 hr | Established landscape trees. |
Small (<6" DBH) | $195 - $275 | 1 – 1.5 hr | Younger or ornamental trees. |
Note: Expert Mulch Application is highly recommended after excavation to protect the newly exposed flare.
Flare Check
$75 - $95*
Your Essential First Step to Tree Health
What it is: An on-site visual assessment for 1-2 trees, including root depth measurement using a specialized probe to locate the true root flare, identification of obvious issues like deep planting or improper mulching, a discussion of our findings, and a written estimate for any recommended services.
Key Benefits: Provides clarity on your tree's condition, confirms if corrective action is needed, empowers you with knowledge, and the cost is credited towards a full excavation or establishment package if booked within 30 days.
Ideal for: Those who are unsure if their trees are planted correctly, those noticing signs of tree stress, or as a proactive health measure.
Typical Duration: Approx. 30 minutes on-site.
Price Range: $75 - $95 *Credited towards excavation
Give Your Tree a New Lease on Life.
It starts with a simple, affordable diagnosis. Let's find out what's really happening at the base of your tree.
Precision Root Flare Excavation
For Established Trees – Rejuvenate & Protect
What it is: The careful, meticulous hand-tool excavation of the root flare on established trees. This service removes accumulated excess soil, old mulch, and debris from the trunk base, and includes the identification and pruning of minor girdling roots (typically <1" diameter) found near the surface. We also perform light soil aeration around the exposed flare and provide before/after photos, a basic depth report, and verbal care tips. Expert Mulch Application is highly recommended as an add-on to protect the newly exposed flare.
Why it's vital for mature trees: Corrects years of deep planting or accumulated material, prevents ongoing trunk decay, improves critical oxygen and water uptake for the roots, significantly reduces the risk of destructive girdling roots, and enhances overall tree vigor.
Service Tiers by Tree Size:
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Small Tree (<6" Diameter at Breast Height - DBH):
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Price Range: $195 - $275
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Typical Duration: 1 – 1.5 hours
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Medium Tree (6–12" DBH): May involve more soil volume and slightly larger/more numerous minor girdling roots.
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Price Range: $275 - $395
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Typical Duration: 1.5 – 2.5 hours
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Large Tree (>12–18" DBH): Involves careful assessment for major structural roots, potentially more extensive soil removal, and navigating larger root systems. *May require staged visits for very compacted soil or extensive root issues.
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Price Range: $395 - $550+ (A Flare Check is often recommended first for an accurate quote on larger trees).
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Typical Duration: 2 – 3.5+ hours
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Why Buried Root Flares Are a Ticking Clock for Tree Health.
If a tree's trunk enters the ground like a telephone pole with no visible "ankles," it's a sign of a critical problem. When the root flare is buried by soil and compacted mulch, it suffocates. This leads to:
Trunk Decay: Constant moisture rots the bark, creating entry points for disease.
Girdling Roots: Stressed roots grow upwards and can wrap around the trunk, choking the tree and cutting off its life supply of water and nutrients.
Canopy Dieback & Decline: The tree visibly struggles, with thinning leaves, dead branches, and increased vulnerability to pests.
Structural Instability: A weakened base increases the risk of the tree failing during a storm.
Our Meticulous Hand-Tool Excavation Process.
We use a surgical, not industrial, approach to safely expose your tree's root flare. We never bring heavy, damaging machinery onto your property. Our process involves careful hand-tool excavation to remove the compacted soil, assessment and pruning of minor girdling roots, and a final cleaning of the newly exposed flare, allowing your tree to finally breathe.