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Why does the tree trunk grow in diameter even though you cut the roots and tips of branches?

Niall C.
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Rain
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1 Answers1

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Pruning does not kill the tree, at least if it's still pruning.

A living tree adds a layer of cells to its diameter each year. These growth rings are a defining characteristic of wood.

If you want the trunk not to get thicker, just kill the tree, that's the only way to stop the normal process of growth.

Root pruning is not a normal tree-care technique outside of perhaps bonsai.

Ecnerwal
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  • So basically when you cut the roots of a tree the trunk will not grow in diameter? – Rain Feb 29 '16 at 04:55
  • If you cut the roots so much that you kill the tree. Otherwise, no. And there are easier ways to kill trees. – Ecnerwal Feb 29 '16 at 04:57
  • So when I cut the roots does the trunk still grow in diameter? If yes, Why? – Rain Feb 29 '16 at 05:31
  • Read my answer; your comprehension seems to be lacking. – Ecnerwal Feb 29 '16 at 05:35
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    Why do we humans grow in stature and girth over our lifetimes? umm we need to work and move towards reproduction, and withstand the storms life chucks at us. The same for most areas of nature. –  Feb 29 '16 at 10:18