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oak tree roots

cyn427 (z. 7, N. VA)

14 years ago

I have a low area of the yard between the house and the island bed out front and I would like to raise the level of that area to make it level with the island bed and add a hosta garden. There are two large oaks in front of the house approximately 20 feet from the house within the island bed. There were three oaks, all more than 50 years old and at least 50 feet tall, but we lost one closer to the street to borers two years ago. These trees are beautiful and one of the reasons we bought the house-okay, okay...all the oaks front and back are the only reason we bought the house...so we would not want to do anything that could damage them. I have read here and elsewhere that one shouldn't add soil above oak roots as it could smother and eventually kill the tree. Does this apply to the entire area within the drip line? If so, I will have to work with the low area and amend the clay soil minimally in order to protect the trees. That is fine with me, but if it would do no harm, I'd rather add 4-5 inches to this area. What do you say?

Cynthia

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Comments (5)

tree_oracle
14 years ago
I still don't have a good idea of how big of any area that you are talking about adding soil to. If the area is a significant portion of the tree's dripline then this is a bad idea. However, if the area is just a small fraction of the dripline then I say go for it.
cyn427 (z. 7, N. VA)
Original Author
14 years ago
It's less than a quarter of the drip line for both trees. The trees are at each end of the island and this area is to the back of the island. If you think of a clock with the tree being in the center, the area I want to raise is from about the six to eight o'clock marks for one tree and the five to eight for the other. If I can figure it out, I will try to post a picture this weekend. Thanks tree oracle!
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katrina1
14 years ago
Oak trees spread their fine feeder roots fairly close to the surface and well beyond their drip line.

Because of this I would raise the dip only one inch and no more each year. Be patient with this and try to make certain that the soil you add each year is rich in humus and maybe even mixed with chopped up oak leaves that you have raked or mowed over and collected in bags during the fall. If you incorporate into your added soil as much as 50/50 ratio, then you might be able to add two inches.

However you choose to do this, always stay patient in your attempt to raise this low area. Also, be certain to do it in a manner that should allow the trees to adjust their fine feeder roots into the added soil without being too deprived of oxygen and a manner that should prevent such deprivation from occuring over too long of a period of time.
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
14 years ago
cyn .. cyn.. cyn.. why are you slummin over in the tree forum ..

hosta can grow on the driveway.. ever hear that before...

ergo.. why amend the soil .. let alone waste money raising a bed .... you could spend that money on more hosta ...

on that logic.. why disturb the oaks????

a picture would really help

ken

PS: why the need to level out your beds.. i moved from suburbia to the country ... to find a piece of property that actually had some semblance of rolling ... who needs flat ...
cyn427 (z. 7, N. VA)
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks, katrina. That's a good idea, but as Ken will tell you, we hostaholics are pretty weak in the patience department-at least when it comes to the buying part.

Ah, Ken, I have been waiting for your response!!!! I'll try a picture this weekend...but don't hold your breath...I am so technologically impaired. You are right AS ALWAYS. What in the world am I thinking-raise a low spot that will have the moisture I need for all those new hosta??? Can I blame it on a particularly difficult school year causing brain failure? LOL.

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