ANSI A300 Part 8 - Root Management (2013)

ANSI A300_Part8_RootMgmt_2013v2_Layout 1 10/24/2013 3:58 PM Page 1
ANSI A300 (Part 8)-2013 Root Management
for Tree Care Operations –

Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Plant
Management – Standard Practices
(Root Management)
ANSI A300 (Part 8)-2013 Root Management
ANSI®
A300 (Part 8)-2013 Root Management
American National Standard

Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Plant Management –

Standard Practices (Root Management)
Secretariat
Tree Care Industry Association, Inc.
Published by
Tree Care Industry Association, Inc.
136 Harvey Road – Ste 101
Londonderry, NH 03053
800-733-2622
603-314-5380
Fax: 603-314-5386
Email: RRouse@tcia.org
Web: www.tcia.org
Copyright © 2013 by the Tree Care Industry Association, Inc.

All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, in an electronic retrieval system or
otherwise, without prior written permission of the publisher.
www.tcia.org © Tree Care Industry Association, Inc. All rights reserved 3

ANSI®
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Standard Consensus is established when, in the judgement of the ANSI Board of Standards
Review, substantial agreement has been reached by directly and materially affected
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essarily unanimity. Consensus requires that all views and objections be considered, and
that a concerted effort be made toward their resolution.
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The American National Standards Institute does not develop standards and will in no cir-
cumstances give an interpretation of any American National Standard. Moreover, no per-
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Contents
Foreword .......................................................................................................................... 6
1 ANSI A300 standards scope, purpose, and application........................................ 8
80 Part 8 – Root Management standards.................................................................. 8
81 Normative references............................................................................................. 9
82 Definitions.............................................................................................................. 9
83 Root management practices ............................................................................... 11
84 Root management practices – root pruning and cutting..................................... 12
85 Managing the direction of root growth .................................................................13
86 Post-root management care practices .................................................................14
Annex A Alternatives to root cutting and pruning .................................................. 15

Annex B Managing trees to mitigate root damage or loss ................................... 16
Annex C Managing roots in fill ................................................................................17
Annex D Managing trunks, flares, and roots affected by fill, sample
specifications............................................................................................18
Annex E Objectives for root pruning and cutting ....................................................19

ANSI®
Foreword This foreword is not considered part of American National Standard A300 (Part 8)-
2013 Root Management.
ANSI A300 Standards are divided into multiple parts, each focusing on a specific aspect of woody
plant management (e.g. Pruning, Soil Management, Supplemental Support Systems, etc).
These standards are used to develop written specifications for work assignments. They are not
intended to be used as specifications in and of themselves. Management objectives may differ
considerably and therefore must be specifically defined by the user. Specifications are then writ-
ten to meet the established objectives and must include measurable criteria.
ANSI A300 standards apply to professionals who provide for, or supervise the management of,
trees, shrubs, and other woody landscape plants. Intended users include businesses, govern-
ment agencies, property owners, property managers, and utilities. The standard does not apply
to agriculture, horticultural production, or silviculture, except where explicitly noted otherwise.
This standard has been developed by the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), an ANSI-
accredited Standards Developing Organization (SDO). TCIA is secretariat of the ANSI A300 stan-
dards, and develops standards using procedures accredited by the American National Standards
Institute (ANSI).
Consensus for standards writing was developed by the Accredited Standards Committee on Tree,
Shrub, and Other Woody Plant Management Operations – Standard Practices, A300 (ASC
A300).
Prior to 1991, various industry associations and practitioners developed their own standards and
recommendations for tree care practices. Recognizing the need for a standardized, scientific
approach, green industry associations, government agencies and tree care companies agreed to
develop consensus for an official American National Standard.
The results – ANSI A300 standards – unify and take authoritative precedence over all previous-
ly existing tree care industry standards. ANSI requires that approved standards be developed
according to accepted principles, and that they be reviewed and, if necessary, revised every five
years.
TCIA was accredited as a standards developing organization with ASC A300 as the consensus
body on June 28, 1991. ASC A300 meets regularly to write new, and review and revise existing,
ANSI A300 standards. The committee includes industry representatives with broad knowledge
and technical expertise from residential and commercial tree care, utility, municipal and federal
sectors, landscape and nursery industries, and other interested organizations.
Suggestions for improvement of this standard should be forwarded to: ANSI A300 Secretary, c/o
Tree Care Industry Association, Inc., 136 Harvey Road - Suite 101, Londonderry, NH 03053.
ANSI A300 (Part 8)-2013 Root Management was approved as an American National Standard by
ANSI on August 26, 2013. ANSI approval does not require unanimous approval by ASC A300.
(Continued)

ANSI®
The ASC A300 committee had the following members as of August 26, 2013:
Dane Buell, Chair Bob Rouse, Secretary

(SavATree, Inc.) (Tree Care Industry Association, Inc.)
Organizations Represented Name of Representative

Alliance for Community Trees Carrie Gallagher
American Nursery and Landscape Association Warren Quinn
Craig J. Regelbrugge (Alt.)
American Society of Consulting Arborists Donald Godi
Stephen Miller (Alt.)
American Society of Landscape Architects Ron Leighton
Asplundh Tree Expert Company Geoff Kempter
Bartlett Tree Expert Company Peter Becker
Dr. E. Thomas Smiley (Alt.)
Davey Tree Expert Company Chris Klinas
Grant Jones (Alt.)
International Society of Arboriculture Dr. Richard Hauer
Sharon Lilly (Alt.)
Professional Grounds Management Society Gene Pouly
Michael Bova (Alt.)
Professional Land Care Network Alice Carter
Tom Delaney (Alt.)
Society of Municipal Arborists Nolan Rundquist
Gordon Mann (Alt.)
Tree Care Industry Association Steve Mays Jr.
USDA Forest Service Keith Cline
Ed Macie (Alt.)
Utility Arborist Association William T. Rees
Matthew Simons (Alt.)
Additional organizations and individuals:
Peter Gerstenberger (Observer)

Andy Hillman (Observer)
Myron Laible (Observer)
Tim Johnson (Observer)
Guy Meilleur (Observer)
Beth Palys (Observer)
Dr. Richard Rathjens (Observer)
Richard Roux (NFPA-780 Liaison)
Brittany Giffords (Observer)
ASC A300 Mission: To develop consensus performance standards based on current research and sound
practice for writing specifications to manage trees, shrubs, and other woody plants.
ASC A300 Vision: ANSI A300 standards will be the foundation for work specifications, training materials,
quality protocols, and regulations for the management of trees, shrubs, palms, and other woody plants.

ANSI®
American National Standard 80.3 Implementation

Part 8 – Root Management

80.3.1 Root management specifications should be
written and administered by an arborist with related
training and experience.
Subclause 1.1 to 1.3 excerpted from ANSI
80.3.1.1 Root management shall be implement-
A300 (Part 1) – Pruning
ed by a qualified professional, familiar with the prac-
tices and hazards associated with root manage-
1 ANSI A300 standards
ment and the equipment used in such operations.
1.1 Scope
80.3.1.2 Specifications for root management
shall include objectives, scope of work, and timing.
ANSI A300 standards present performance stan-
dards for the care and management of trees,
80.3.1.3 Specifications for root management
shrubs, and other woody plants.
should include, but are not limited to: objectives;
treatment area; methods; materials; equipment;
1.2 Purpose
and, timing.
ANSI A300 performance standards are intended for
80.3.2 Practices that minimize damage to roots
use by federal, state, municipal and private entities
shall be preferred (see Annex A).
including arborists, property owners, property man-
agers, and utilities for developing written specifica-
tions.
80.4 Safety
80.4.1 This performance standard shall not take

1.3 Application
precedence over applicable industry safe work
practices.
ANSI A300 performance standards shall apply to
any person or entity engaged in the management of
80.4.2 Personnel shall follow appropriate safe
trees, shrubs, or other woody plants.
work practices.
80 – Root Management standards
80.4.3 Performance shall comply with applicable
Federal and State Occupational Safety and Health
80.1 Purpose
Administration (OSHA) standards, ANSI Z133, and
other federal, state, and local regulations.
The purpose of this standard is to provide industry
concensus guidelines for root management and
80.4.4 The site shall be inspected for visible
standards for writing specifications.
above–ground hazards prior to beginning any root
management procedure.
80.2 Reasons for root management
80.4.5 The location of utilities and other obstruc-
The reasons for root management may include but
tions both below and above ground shall be taken
are not limited to promoting tree health, stability,
into consideration prior to root management opera-
and longevity, and managing the interaction of tree
tions. Utilities and other obstructions include, but
roots with soil, infrastructure, property, and other
are not limited to: gas; electric; communications;
plants. Root management practices for agriculture,
sewer; drainage; and, signage.
horticultural production, or silvicultural purposes are
exempt from this standard unless this standard, or a
80.4.6 Job briefings shall be performed as outlined
portion thereof, is expressly referenced in these
in ANSI Z133.
standards for these other related areas.

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81 Normative references the management of, trees and woody plants. Such
trainees shall be under the direct supervision of an
ANSI A300 for Tree Care Operations – Tree, Shrub, arborist.
and Other Woody Plant Management – Standard
Practices, all Parts 82.5 berm: Soil added above grade for a speci-
fied purpose, such as a planting bed or barrier.
ANSI Z60, Nursery stock
82.6 callus: Undifferentiated, non-lignified tis-
ANSI Z133 for Arboricultural Operations – Safety sue, usually developed in response to wounding.
Requirements
82.7 crown: Upper part of a tree, measured
ASTM A-475, Standard Specification for Zinc- from the lowest branch, including all the branches
and foliage.
Coated Steel Wire Strand
82.8 decay: (v.) Decomposition of woody tissues
Federal Standard: FF-T-276b, Thimbles, Rope
by microorganisms. (n.) Wood that is decomposed.
29 CFR 1910, Occupational Safety and Health 82.9 fill: Soil, sand, gravel, rocks, or other mate-
Standards (General Industry)1 rial placed over the existing soil surface to raise the
finished grade to some specified level.
29 CFR 1910.268, Telecommunications1)
82.10 flare (trunk flare, root flare): The area at
29 CFR 1910.269, Electric power generation, trans- the base of the plant’s stem or trunk where the stem
mission and distribution1) or trunk broadens to form roots.
29 CFR 1910.331 - 335, Electrical safety-related 82.11 hardscape: Built infrastructure such as
work practices1) pavement, sidewalks, curbing, storm drains, walls,
and footings.
29 CFR 1910, Subpart S – Electrical, §§ 1910.331 -
335, Safety-related work practices1) 82.12 hydraulic soil excavation: The removal of
soil using pressurized water.
Available from U.S. Department of Labor, 200
1)
Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20210, or 82.13 mitigation: 1. Reducing or alleviating unfa-
www.osha.gov. vorable conditions. 2. The process of diminishing
risk.
82 Definitions (Definitions are considered
part of the ANSI A300 (Part 8)-2013 Root 82.14 mulch: A material applied to the soil sur-
Management standard.) face to protect the soil, deter erosion, moderate soil
temperature, conserve moisture, inhibit weeds; or
82.1 adventitious root: Root arising from parts improve soil structure.
of the root or the stem.
82.15 pneumatic soil excavation: The removal
82.2 aggregate: Materials such as sand, gravel, of soil using pressurized air.
or rock, often used under paved surfaces, as back-
fill, or for other purposes. 82.16 qualified professional: An individual pos-
sessing skills, experience, training, education, cer-
tificates, degrees, registration, certification, or
82.3 arborist: An individual engaged in the pro-
licensing as needed to perform job tasks.
fession of arboriculture who, through experience,
education and related training, possesses the com-
82.17 radial trenching: Removing soil and other
petence to provide for, or supervise the manage- material in trenches radiating from the trunk.
ment of, trees and other woody ornamentals.
82.18 root barrier: A device designed to direct
82.4 arborist trainee: An individual undergoing root growth.
on-the-job training to obtain the experience and the
competence required to provide for, or supervise 82.19 root channel: An underground system

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used to direct root growth and increase soil volume. 82.23 root pruning: Severing roots selectively.
82.20 root collar: The transition zone between 82.24 root, buttress: A major lateral root radiat-
the flare and the root system. ing from the base of the trunk.
82.21 root collar examination: The process of

82.25 root, circling: A root that encircles all or a
exposing and assessing the root collar.
portion of a trunk but does not contact it.
82.22 root cutting: Severing roots non-selectively.

82.26 root, girdling: A root that encircles all or a
The following flowchart is the recommended procedure for normal root management operations:

ANSI®
portion of a trunk and contacts the trunk or a but- cations, and managing roots should visually inspect
tress root. the tree(s) and the site.
82.27 root, surface: A lateral root that is visible 83.1.3 Soil volume, fill, air and water movement,
above grade. drainage, and the distance between roots and infra-
structure should be considered.
82.28 shall: As used in this standard, denotes a
mandatory requirement. 83.1.4 Root management objectives shall be
established with the owner or owner’s agent.
82.29 should: As used in this standard, denotes
83.1.5 Root management objectives shall be
an advisory recommendation.
defined based on potential tree benefits, the intend-
ed use of the site, tree stability, and the scope of the
82.30 soil volume: The volume of soil available to assignment.
trees and other woody plants for root development.
83.2 General
82.31 specifications: A detailed, measurable
plan or proposal for performing a work activity or 83.2.1 If a condition is observed requiring attention
providing a product; usually a written document. beyond the original scope of the work, the condition
should be reported to an immediate supervisor, the
82.32 standard, ANSI A300: The performance owner, or the person responsible for authorizing the
parameters established by industry consensus as a work.
rule for the measure of extent, quality, quantity,
value or weight used to write specifications. 83.2.2 Root management practices should
include, but are not limited to, one or more of the fol-
82.33 stem: A woody structure bearing buds, lowing:
foliage, and giving rise to other stems. Inspection of the tree, including the trunk,
flare, root collar, detectable roots, and
82.34 tracing: The removal of loose, damaged soil volume;
tissue from in and around the wound. Selective root pruning;
Non-selective root cutting; and,
82.35 utilities: Facilities associated with services Directing or redirecting roots.
such as telephone, data, CATV, electricity, gas,
steam, energy transmission and distribution, water 83.2.3 Tools and equipment should be maintained
and sewage, and transportation. according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
82.36 wood-chip mulch: A material placed on 83.2.4 Equipment, tools, and work practices that
the soil surface composed of ground wood, bark, damage living tissue, bark, or soil beyond the scope
and leaves usually generated by sending tree parts of work shall be avoided.
through a wood chipping machine.
83.2.5 Wound treatments that are damaging to
82.37 wound: Damage to plant tissue caused by tree tissues outside the scope of work shall not be
pests, pruning, mechanical damage, or other natu- used.
ral forces.
83.2.6 Wound treatments shall not be used to
83 Root management practices cover wounds, except to manage dessication or
pests, or for aesthetic purposes.
83.1 Root management objectives
83.2.7 Tracing of wounds shall remove only dead,
83.1.1 Arborists developing objectives and specifi- loose, and damaged tissue.
cations, and managing roots shall have sufficient
training and experience. 83.2.8 Evaluation of decay, callus and woundwood
growth, and response growth in the trunk and crown
83.1.2 Arborists developing objectives and specifi- shall be considered.

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83.3 Trunk, flare, and root inspection observed, a risk assessment should be recom-
mended, see ANSI A300 (Part 9) – Tree Risk
83.3.1 Objectives of inspections shall be estab- Assessment standard.
lished.
83.3.9 The flare and buttress roots should remain
83.3.2 The method, area, depth, and limitations of visible after inspection.
inspection shall be specified.
84 Root management practices – root
83.3.3 Tools and equipment used for inspection pruning and cutting
shall be specified.
84.1 Root pruning and cutting objectives
83.3.4 Inspection should include, but is not limited
to, one or more of the following: 84.1.1 Root pruning and cutting objectives shall be
Conditions in the crown that may reflect established.
root conditions;
Stem tissue connecting the crown and the 84.1.2 The extent and method of root pruning or
roots; cutting shall be based on the objectives, species tol-
Girdling of the buttress roots or stems by erance, environmental factors, timing, age, health,
roots or other materials, and the tree’s lean, and structural condition of the tree(s).
response;
Tree association with beneficial and harm- 84.1.3 When establishing objectives, potential for
ful insects; tree decline or destabilization shall be considered.
Tree association with pathogenic and ben-
eficial microorganisms (e.g. mycor- 84.1.4 Tools and equipment shall be specified.
rhizae);
84.2 Root pruning and root cutting practices
Wounds, and the tree’s response to
wounds;
84.2.1 The owner should be notified of the risk to
Mechanical damage to detectable roots tree health and stability prior to the pruning or cut-
and response; ting of roots.
Indications of root disease and response;
and, 84.2.2 When mitigating or avoiding infrastructure
Graft unions in grafted trees. damage, only roots causing or likely to cause dam-
age should be pruned.
83.3.5 Mulch, soil, and other materials should be
removed as needed to allow for the inspection. 84.2.3 Surface roots should be managed by
removing soil or reducing soil density in accordance
83.3.6 Soil excavation for root collar examina- with ANSI A300 (Part 2) – Soil Management stan-
tion dard, to meet the objective including, but not limited
to raising the grade with porous soil, sand, or mulch.
83.3.6.1 Small adventitious roots that interfere
with excavation or examination should be moved or 84.2.4 Selective root pruning or non-selective root
pruned. cutting shall be specified where needed to meet the
objective.
83.3.6.2 Adventitious roots should be consid-
ered for retention. 84.2.5 When root removal is unavoidable, selec-
tive pruning shall be the preferred method.
83.3.6.3 Temporary protection of newly exposed
84.2.6 Root pruning and cutting tools should be
rootzone, root tissue, and stem tissue shall be con-
sharp.
sidered.
84.3 Selective root pruning
83.3.7 Detectable flare and root diseases and dis-
orders should be diagnosed. 84.3.1 The size and/or location of roots to be
pruned shall be specified.
83.3.8 If significant structural defects are

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84.3.2 Roots should be exposed using the least 84.5.5 When roots are damaged within six times
injurious excavation method prior to pruning. the trunk diameter (DBH), mitigation shall be recom-
mended.
84.3.3 A pruning cut that removes a root at its point
of origin should not cut into the trunk or parent root. 84.5.6 Roots should be cut with equipment that
minimizes cracking the wood and tearing the bark.
84.3.4 Smaller pruning cuts shall be preferred.
84.5.7 Heavy equipment should be located outside
84.3.5 The final cut should result in a flat surface the root cut line or remain on existing pavement or
with adjacent bark firmly attached. on a soil-protecting surface.
84.4 Selective root pruning – girdling roots 84.5.8 Temporary staging areas for excavated soil
should be located at a safe distance on the side of
84.4.1 Roots that encircle or girdle the trunk or a the trench furthest from the trunk.
buttress root should be considered for redirecting or
pruning. 84.5.9 Upon completion of non-selective root cut-
ting, selective root pruning of damaged roots in
84.4.2 Girdling roots should be exposed before accordance with subclause 84.3 shall be consid-
pruning cuts are planned or made. ered.
84.4.3 Retention of encircling or girdling roots that 85 Managing the direction of root-
are providing more benefit than damage shall be growth
considered.
85.1 Objectives for managing the direction of
84.4.4 The trunk and buttress roots shall not be root growth shall be established prior to beginning
damaged beyond the scope of the work. operations.
84.4.5 If one or more large girdling roots are pres- 85.2 The type, depth, and location of root direc-
ent, progressive root pruning over a specified time tion materials shall be specified to achieve the
period should be considered. objective.
84.4.6 Root pruning tools shall include, but are not 85.3 Root direction methods shall include, but
limited to: handsaws; lopping shears; chisels; hand are not limited to, one or more of the following:
shears; chain saws; reciprocating saws; and, circu- Designing, installing, and/or maintaining
lar saws (see subclause 80.4 Safety). root barriers; and,
Designing, installing, and/or maintaining
84.5 Non-selective root cutting root channels.
84.5.1 When non-selective root cutting is neces- 85.4 Managing the direction of root growth shall
sary, roots shall be cut as far from the trunk as prac- be considered as an alternative, or in conjunction
tical. with, root pruning or cutting.
84.5.2 The location and depth of excavation for 85.5 Managing the direction of root growth shall
root cutting shall be specified. be considered following root pruning.
84.5.3 Minimum distance from the trunk for root 85.6 Use and installation of root management
cutting should be adjusted according to trunk diam- devices should follow manufacturer’s recommenda-
eter, species tolerance to root loss, tree age, health, tions.
and site condition.
85.7 Root barriers should be installed as far from
84.5.4 Root cutting distances from the trunk shall tree trunks as possible.
be adjusted for disease management, root location,
tree species and condition, and, site and soil condi- 85.8 Roots that grow over the root barrier should
tions. be pruned on the tree trunk side of the barrier.

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86 Post root – management care prac- care should consist of, but are not limited to, one or
tices more of the following:
a. soil moisture management;
86.1 Specifications for monitoring and maintain- b. mulching;
ing tree health and stability should be established. c. integrated pest management;
d. pruning (see ANSI A300 (Part 1) –
86.2 Root damage that affects the stability of the Pruning standard);
tree should be mitigated (see ANSI A300 (Part 9) – e. soil management (see ANSI A300
Tree Risk Assessment standard). (Part 2) – Soil Management standard);
f. maintenance/removal of tree support
86.3 Post-root management care should be systems (see ANSI A300 (Part 3) –
specified for an appropriate period of time based on Supplemental Support Systems standard);
the region, site conditions, and species. and,
g. appropriate use of growth regulator.
86.4 Specifications for post root – management

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Annex A – Alternatives to root pruning and cutting (This annex is for informational purposes
only and is not considered part of the ANSI A300 Part 8 standard.)
A-1 Alternatives to root pruning and cutting may include, but are not limited to:
Changing project design;
Tunneling around or beneath roots;
Re-routing utility lines away from roots;
Tree grates;
Bridging over roots;
Discontinuous footings for retaining walls, footings, and foundations;
Ramping sidewalks;
Using flexible paving materials or shallower sections;
Using permeable paving materials;
Enlarging tree wells (cut-outs) or converting them to open retaining walls;
Reducing sidewalk width;
Relocating pavement;
Increasing the thickness of the pavement;
Reinforcing with rods or under-laying it with a geotextile fabric;
Use of geogrids or other ‘no-dig’ pavement systems;
Using a coarse aggregate under sidewalks;
Supporting pavement on piers; and,
Covering surface-roots with soil or mulch.

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Annex B – Managing trees to mitigate root damage or loss (This annex is for informational
purposes only and is not considered part of the ANSI A300 Part 8 standard.)
B-1 Define objectives for management of trees with root damage or loss prior to beginning
operations.
B-2 Objectives include, but are not limited to one or more of the following:
To improve stability;
To minimize drought stress and pest problems; and,
To create conditions favorable for root regeneration and growth.
B-3 Specify follow-up care for trees and shrubs sustaining root loss.
B-4 Monitor trees sustaining root loss for symptoms of stress or decline for a specified
period.
B-5 Irrigate prior to, during, and after root pruning.
B-6 In general, reducing or thinning woody plants to compensate for root loss is not consid-
ered an effective practice to mitigate water stress.
B-7 Consider supporting, reducing, or thinning woody plants when stability of a root-pruned
tree has been significantly decreased.
B-8 Consider applying a 2- to 4-inch (5-10 cm) layer of organic mulch. Do not let mulch con-
tact the flare or trunk.

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Annex C – Managing roots in fill (This annex is for informational purposes only and is not con-
sidered part of the ANSI A300 Part 8 standard.)
C-1 Remove as much fill as possible without damaging roots outside the scope of work.
C-2 If adventitious roots need to be removed, specify the diameter or quantity according to
tree species and condition, site factors, and whether they are needed.
C-3 Where fill is needed to raise the grade for a specific objective, provide for drainage, ade-
quate air, and water movement by modifying soil [see ANSI A300 (Part 2) – Soil Managment stan-
dard], or by installing ventilation systems [see ANSI A300 (Part 5) – Construction standard].
C-4 Where needed to limit erosion and manage surface water movement, install retaining
devices such as silt fences, bales, logs, branches, or berms, as required by regulations. Establish
berms of a size and material to permit sufficient exchange of air with the soil. Ensure contact
between retaining devices and the earth.
C-5 Design devices that provide for adequate air and water movement.

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Annex D – Managing trunks, flares, and roots affected by fill, sample specifications (This
annex is for informational purposes only and is not considered part of the ANSI A300 Part 8 stan-
dard.)
D-1 Sample specification for multiple root collar examinations with hand tools
Trees and location: Small and Large trees with fill contacting the trunk, as indicated on
site.
Objective: Mitigate tree damage from the effects of fill on the trunk.
Specifications:
1. All work shall be done in accordance with ANSI A300 tree care management standards.
2. Coarse woody debris or fresh mulch will be raked away from the root collar area.
3. Excavated material will be moved away from the trunk and placed in a temporary staging
area.
4. Excavation will be performed with a hand trowel and/or manual shovel.
5. Separate and dispose of any infertile soil and debris. Retain the fertile soil, fine roots,
mycorrhizae, and decomposed mulch in the temporary staging area.
6. Smaller hand tools, vacuum, or compressed water or air, will be used to complete the
excavation.
7. Upon completion of the excavation, the trunk and flare will be clear to the root collar and
to the point of the first root branching location, according to the scope of the work.
8. Upon completion of the excavation, a visual and non-invasive hand tool (rubber sounding
mallet, magnifying lens, etc.) trunk flare and root inspection will be performed.
9. The owner or owner’s agent may be notified if replanting of a tree should be considered
when the flare is over 2 inches (5 cm) below grade and the tree is small and/or
newly planted. The root ball size and ability to withstand the operation will be con-
sidered.
10. Individual adventitious roots and stem-girdling roots 2-inch (5 cm) diameter or under will
be removed as needed to meet the objective. Larger roots will be managed
according to ANSI A300 (Part 8), subclauses 84.3 and 84.4. Upon completion,
contact between the trunk and remaining adventitious, girdling, and circling roots
will be broken or minimized according to the scope of the work.
11. Remove soil and fine roots outside of the root collar to make a gradual slope.
12. Apply 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) of mulch over the root collar. Avoid mulch contact with the
flare.
13. Incorporate fertile soil, fine roots, mycorrhizae, and decomposed mulch into the outer
rootzone, without raising the final grade more than 2 inches (5 cm).
Note: This sample specification is for hand tool excavation/inspections only, use of mechanical
equipment requires knowledge and consideration of manufacturer’s recommendations when writ-
ing work specifications.

ANSI®
Annex E – Objectives for root pruning and cutting (This annex is for informational purposes
only and is not considered part of the ANSI A300 Part 8 standard.)
E-1 Root pruning and cutting objectives include, but are not limited to, one or more of the fol-
lowing:
Mitigating and preventing damage to the trunk or the buttress roots from girdling
or circling roots;
Preparing trees for transplanting;
Protecting roots from infrastructure and other uses of the area;
Managing interference with infrastructure and other uses of the area;
Managing interactions with other plants;
Managing pests and diseases;
Gaining access to the root zone to install, repair, or replace infrastructure;
Facilitating alternate use of the rootzone;
Mitigating damage to roots; and,
Minimizing root damage during construction.

Notes:
Notes:

ANSI A300 Part 8 - Root Management (2013)

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What is the purpose and scope of the ANSI A300 standards?

What is the purpose and scope of the ANSI A300 standards?

What are some objectives for root pruning and cutting listed in Annex E?

What are some objectives for root pruning and cutting listed in Annex E?

ANSI A300_Part8_RootMgmt_2013v2_Layout 1 10/24/2013 3:58 PM Page 1

ANSI A300 (Part 8)-2013 Root Management

for Tree Care Operations –

American National Standard

Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Plant Management –

Copyright © 2013 by the Tree Care Industry Association, Inc.

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CAUTION NOTICE: This American National Standard may be revised or withdrawn at

American National Standards Institute, Inc.

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Annex A Alternatives to root cutting and pruning .................................................. 15

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Dane Buell, Chair Bob Rouse, Secretary

Organizations Represented Name of Representative

Additional organizations and individuals:

Peter Gerstenberger (Observer)

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American National Standard 80.3 Implementation

Part 8 – Root Management

80.4.1 This performance standard shall not take

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82.21 root collar examination: The process of

82.22 root cutting: Severing roots non-selectively.

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B-5 Irrigate prior to, during, and after root pruning.

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