This is a public-interest archive. Personal data is pseudonymized and retained under GDPR Article 89.

Re: [PRIMROSES] Dealing With Tree Roots

Hi; I have read that raising a bed around the base of a tree will cause the
trunk to hold moisture, making it more susceptible to disease.  Yet I see
many of my neighbors have raised beds which cover about a foot of the trunk
and their trees appear healthy (all trees I can recall in these beds are
maples).  All beds have plants with roots that compete well with tree roots
(such as hostas and annuals).

Is disease a problem with certain tree species, with others being able to
tolerate having their trunks in moist soil (like swamp trees can), or is it
just that it takes many years for the damage to the tree to show?  I am
interested to know, as this fall I heaped compost and soil at the base of
an old ash tree - not covering the trunk, but covering many large,
above-the-surface , 'barked' roots - as I plan to install primrose sweep
after the plants have flowered this spring.

Sheila S.
Z 5/6
Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index