Soil heaved around mature trees
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Soil heaved around mature trees
I have half a dozen older Ponderosa pines that have matured to about two-foot diameters which resulted in the soil around the trunks to heave anywhere from 6" to 8" Attachment 69064. It's become a nuisance to mow around them with a riding lawn mower because the top edge is scalped, the middle is left long, and the lower edge is becoming grooved from the angle of the mower deck Attachment 69065. Alternatively, it requires considerable hand work with a trimmer to keep the lawn well groomed.
I've heard it is recommended to NOT add fill around a tree trunk, but could I create planter rings with blocks at a radius of several feet from the trunks and only add soil up to the level of the existing berm already created by the tree without creating any of the root problems associated with too much backfill? That way I could the mow around their bases on a level lawn and use some ground cover in them?
I've heard it is recommended to NOT add fill around a tree trunk, but could I create planter rings with blocks at a radius of several feet from the trunks and only add soil up to the level of the existing berm already created by the tree without creating any of the root problems associated with too much backfill? That way I could the mow around their bases on a level lawn and use some ground cover in them?
#3
Member
Thread Starter
I have half a dozen older Ponderosa pines that have matured to about two-foot diameters which resulted in the soil around the trunks to heave anywhere from 6" to 8". It's become a nuisance to mow around them with a riding lawn mower because the top edge is scalped, the middle is left long, and the lower edge is becoming grooved from the angle of the mower deck. Alternatively, it requires considerable hand work with a trimmer to keep the lawn well groomed.
I've heard it is recommended to NOT add fill around a tree trunk, but could I create planter rings with blocks at a radius of several feet from the trunks and only add soil up to the level of the existing berm already created by the tree without creating any of the root problems associated with too much backfill? That way I could the mow around their bases on a level lawn and use some ground cover in them?
I've heard it is recommended to NOT add fill around a tree trunk, but could I create planter rings with blocks at a radius of several feet from the trunks and only add soil up to the level of the existing berm already created by the tree without creating any of the root problems associated with too much backfill? That way I could the mow around their bases on a level lawn and use some ground cover in them?
#4
Member
Not a pro, but have seen trees where the grade was altered and they died. In those cases I thing some digging was done and probably damaged the roots.
A lower risk approach might be to smooth the grade for a more gradual slope to limit the negative effects. Being close to that walkway or driveway would complicate that approach.
Lets see if some of the more experienced folks here can give an ok to your suggestion. I'd say yes.
Bud
A lower risk approach might be to smooth the grade for a more gradual slope to limit the negative effects. Being close to that walkway or driveway would complicate that approach.
Lets see if some of the more experienced folks here can give an ok to your suggestion. I'd say yes.
Bud