Are you damaging your tree roots?
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7 years ago
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hobbyartisan (Saskatoon, SK Canada, 2b)
7 years agoUser
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoRelated Discussions
avoiding damage to tree roots
Comments (2)Do not put landscape fabric down! It kills the soil underneath it by preventing movement of worms and other soil organisms to and from the surface. So organic matter doesn't move down into the soil and the soil loses aeration as the tunnels made by worms etc. fill in and close off as the worms etc. go elsewhere in search of better conditions. So you end up with hard-packed dead soil. Landsdscape fabric is dreadful stuff in the garden. Most of my backyard garden is under trees. I added no more that about 1-2" of soil. Basically I replaced the soil to the depth that was formerly grass and used a light soil mixture meant for top-dressing lawns. Then, since I was planting woodland plants, I gave them woodland conditions by letting fallen leaves remain on the garden. And added any leaves that fell on the lawn - chop them with the lawn mower first. The worms etc. in the soil take care of turning the leaves into usable organic matter for the plants and trees. The soil level builds up over time and the trees are able to adjust to it as it is accumulating in the way they are adapted to. It's a little more 'messy' looking so, if you're a neat-freak you might not be happy with it; but the plants will ove it. I have metal edging in places that involve crossing tree roots. I'm very careful when digging to place the edging to not damage roots - I clear the trench on either side of any large roots and then cut the edging to fit over each root....See Morewill fruit tree root damage house foundation?
Comments (2)If you have a poured concrete with rebar foundation, like is standard for slab construction, there will be no danger. I planted pecans which get much bigger that close and there was no damage 30 yrs later. The Fruitnut...See Moreavoiding damage to tree roots
Comments (15)I'm going to have to respectfully disagree with a couple of brandon7's comments. Tree failure in new subdivisions is largely due to two causes. The first is poor quality soil to begin with. A surprising number of developers strip off the decent topsoil -assuming there is any - and sell it leaving only the usually clay subsoil. Trees planted in this have little chance for long term survival. The second reason is soil compaction. Heavy equipment plus the clay based subsoil creates an environment unsuitable for growing anything. What cnid asked about was spreading a layer of compost. This is very unlikely to do any harm to all but the most sensitive trees - magnolias, for example - and it's very doubtful it would do any damage even to them. Compost provides air space, nutrients, and water holding capacity. If trees really died from the accumulation of organic matter over their roots, we would have no forests - every tree would die without someone to rake off the leaves, twigs, etc. as they accumulate....See MoreOak Tree Root Damage
Comments (10)For a real answer "Hale 5" you'd want to talk to a tree expert but I think you'd be fine. I've been working on a woodlands restoration on a steep bank by a stream in our neighborhood. Because I don't want trees to fall out of this bank when they mature in a couple decades I've picked only deep rooted tall tree species and ornamentals. Oak trees in general are characterized by having a strong tap root when young that transitions to deep lateral roots when older. So while I'm sure you'll damage some feeder roots while putting in your walkway - your tree should have plenty of other deep roots to keep it stable. And since it is only a walkway there should be plenty of feeder roots left to keep your tree nourished. If you want to be more careful, do your work in the Fall when your tree is going dormant and is not being stressed by heat. The U.S. Forest Service publishes a very handy resource online called the Sylvics Manual. It's entitled "Sylvics of North America" and comes in two volumes, Vol 1. Conifers and Vol. 2 Hardwoods. It is available online as html and downloadable pdf. I envy you your White Oak! It's a magnificant tree. Good luck with your project. -Helen Here is a link that might be useful: Silvics of North America...See Morehobbyartisan (Saskatoon, SK Canada, 2b)
7 years agojohnmerr
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7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoLaura LaRosa (7b)
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7 years agoLaura LaRosa (7b)
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7 years agoMonyet
7 years agoLaura LaRosa (7b)
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7 years agoMonyet
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7 years agolast modified: 7 years agohobbyartisan (Saskatoon, SK Canada, 2b)
7 years agoLaura LaRosa (7b)
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7 years agoMonyet
7 years agoMonyet
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7 years agoLaura LaRosa (7b)
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7 years agoLaura LaRosa (7b)
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7 years agoDie (pronounced Dee) Oma (7b - VA)
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