So, this is a zelkova that was planted by the builder of my house 17 years ago.
Initially , their mulch was mounded up probably 4-6” higher than this and the flare was totally covered. I uncovered what roots I could and cut a couple of bad girdling roots 3-4 years in after watching an Ask This Old House episode where they did that.
Since then I’ve always been really careful with mulching, keeping the dirt more or less exposed around the base so it did not build up.
After seeing posts here I wonder if I did enough with the roots? I let the mulch break down over the last couple of years and I’ve tried to further expose everything.
Should I cut more roots? Should I put minimal mulch around it this fall or no?
by Sherifftruman