Removing stone and mulch around a tree


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Old 10-23-17, 08:56 PM
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Removing stone and mulch around a tree

Would it be safe for the tree if I do it? I have removed a few stone already, but I stopped because I didn't know if it would be bad for the tree.
 
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Old 10-24-17, 05:57 AM
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The stones are just there for decoration. Has nothing to do with the health of a tree. Same for mulch. Mulch helps keep weeds down but doubt there's any benefit for a tree that size.
 
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Old 10-24-17, 06:04 AM
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Roger from This Old House said that mulch can stop the roots from breathing.
 
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Old 10-24-17, 06:56 AM
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I was thinking that piling soil or mulch around the base of a tree is not a good thing. Might rot the base.
 
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Old 10-24-17, 08:33 AM
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I was thinking that piling soil or mulch around the base of a tree is not a good thing. Might rot the base.
Small amount of mulch is not a problem, but you do not want to "bury" a tree, if enough dirt is applied it can kill it!
 
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Old 10-24-17, 08:40 AM
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Before this turns into a mulch debate they said they want to remove it anyways, not add it.
 
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Old 10-24-17, 09:15 AM
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Remove mulch and then what? Bare dirt, grass? Removal should not be a problem as long as roots are not exposed by doing so.

Bare dirt won't hold moisture, may support weeds, will probably erode. It will be difficult to get grass to grow up to the base of the tree especially if there are tree roots near the surface. Cutting with a power mower will probably damage the tree eventually.
 
 

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