building a tree ring around a mature tree

kaliope floral · 5th September 2010, 05:44 AM

I have a mature tulip tree (liriodendron tulipifera) that I am putting pavers around so that I might plant some hostas and such. only 2 levels of pavers and only enough dirt to level out from base of trunk to the pavers, not touching the trunk of the tree. currently the grade slopes away from the tree.
the ring is approximately 4 ft. out from the tree on all sides.

is this a terrible idea?

thank you

Eric Frei · 5th September 2010, 08:40 AM

Yes, search forums for "grade change" , "filling around trees" etc

TreeSpecialist · 8th September 2010, 12:12 AM

Don't do it.

Unless you plan on either causing serious injury or death of the tree.

Raised beds at the base of any tree is a bad idea. Then to plant something with a different water requirement than the tree is a sure way to kill the tree.

Plant the hostas on the east side of your house - not under the tree.

Brent Ferris · 8th September 2010, 01:03 AM

I agree with Tree Specialist -- unless you don't care about the Tulip Tree. THe best vegetation under a tree is none at all. Nothing under a tree doesn't make it look empty -- it says you care enough to give the tree the space it deserves and wants.

5th September 2010, 05:44 AM	#1
kaliope floral I'm new here so be nice Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 1	building a tree ring around a mature tree I have a mature tulip tree (liriodendron tulipifera) that I am putting pavers around so that I might plant some hostas and such. only 2 levels of pavers and only enough dirt to level out from base of trunk to the pavers, not touching the trunk of the tree. currently the grade slopes away from the tree. the ring is approximately 4 ft. out from the tree on all sides. is this a terrible idea? thank you

5th September 2010, 08:40 AM	#2
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,990	Re: building a tree ring around a mature tree Yes, search forums for "grade change" , "filling around trees" etc __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Palm and Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

8th September 2010, 12:12 AM	#3
TreeSpecialist Mature tree Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 373	Re: building a tree ring around a mature tree Don't do it. Unless you plan on either causing serious injury or death of the tree. Raised beds at the base of any tree is a bad idea. Then to plant something with a different water requirement than the tree is a sure way to kill the tree. Plant the hostas on the east side of your house - not under the tree. __________________

8th September 2010, 01:03 AM	#4
Brent Ferris Veteran Heritage Status Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,555	Re: building a tree ring around a mature tree I agree with Tree Specialist -- unless you don't care about the Tulip Tree. THe best vegetation under a tree is none at all. Nothing under a tree doesn't make it look empty -- it says you care enough to give the tree the space it deserves and wants.

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