Sick Japanese maple

[Steph-B]

Yes, good points. I've tried searching on 'arboriste  qualifié belgique annélation des racines' with no immediate success, but will pursue. I guess I could always pay a Brit to come across. Except it seems there's some problem with Eurotunnel at the moment 😞 

 

Thanks all

[Mr. Squirrel]

I’m guessing you’re in Belgium then? What kind of area? Lots of very knowledgeable arborists over there.
The girdling root is more indicative of the bigger picture with regards to rooting problems than the crux of the issue. I can’t imagine it being beneficial to remove. 

[Steph-B]

Hello, yes I’m in Brussels. I’m sure you’re right: there’s bound to be experts here, it’s just a question of finding them…

[Dan Maynard]

8 hours ago, Steph-B said:

Since its decline has been over years I don’t think it's to do with the current dry spell - and I do water it regularly.

In the UK the dry spell has been about 3 years so far. Are you soaking the ground with many litres? If it's dry then it could be good to sink a pipe and run hosepipe slowly into it for half an hour.

[Mr. Squirrel]

3 hours ago, Steph-B said:

Hello, yes I’m in Brussels. I’m sure you’re right: there’s bound to be experts here, it’s just a question of finding them…

Check out BAAS, the Belgian arborist association. Guessing they might have a resource for finding knowledgable professionals. 

[Steph-B]

Thanks a million! This looks like a great resource (and quite fascinating also to learn about the European tree climbing competition!). I'm going to contact the one qualified guy in  Brussels plus a couple others who live not far away). 

 

As for rainfall, it's been an exceptionally dry summer but this time last year it rained so much it was like living underwater, but the tree was already dying off, as it has been gradually for years. Whereas other trees in my and my neighbours' gardens are fine.

 

Thanks again.