It's not like I have time to do this right now but figured I'd ask anyway. Several of the trees on my property the ground is mounded up around the trunks. I can't mow with the rider and I could use the dirt elsewhere as fill. If I remove the dirt to level around the trees, will this hurt them?
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David
The chief cause of failure in this life is giving up what you want most for what you want at the moment. -
It could, depending on how the root structure is around the tree's. I usually remove the grass and throw mulch down around the trees. -
It is almost never a good idea to expose or make shallow any tree roots. Roots tend to develop at the depths that suit that particular type of tree, and anything done to alter that will usually be problematic for the tree. Trees that develop root zones at or near the surface often cannot tolerate additional dirt added, either.Comment
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What type
trees are they? If they have a normal "flare" at the bottom of the trunk, then you can remove down to the flair plus a little extra. What size trees are they also. It is usually more problematic when you add dirt. It is possible to suffocate the top roots.
GlennComment
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Oaks mostly. Might be a few maples in there. They are 14" or so in diameter. There are one or two that are much bigger than that. I figure I will do some digging and if I hit roots I will stop.David
The chief cause of failure in this life is giving up what you want most for what you want at the moment.Comment
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If you dig near the trunks you should be okay. Most of the feeder roots are near the drip edge of the canopy of the trees. I forgot to ask how far out the mounds of dirt go. Sounds like if you stay within 5-10 feet of the trunks, you won't hurt a thing. Just don't go too far below the flare at the base of each tree.
GlennComment
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Conway, this is right around the trunk. of the tree, out to about 2' away from the tree. I think the mounds are old mulch that over the years has decomposed.David
The chief cause of failure in this life is giving up what you want most for what you want at the moment.Comment
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You will have some good soil to use when you remove it. You may find some small roots that have developed off the trunk below the grade. Just cut them off and enjoy the new found topsoil. Won't hurt a thing.
GlennComment
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