Erosion around tree base

sandybottom · 18th August 2007, 10:49 AM

Our five poplar type trees live in very sandy soil. Other than my previous post where roots are popping up all over my yard, I would also like to know about the long exposed roots that are more at the base of the tree...from the trunk to about five feet into the yard. I was told that under no circumstance do we build dirt up around the trunk because it could cause trunk rot. But... can we build dirt up from trunk base level out to the yard?

mdvaden · 18th August 2007, 01:35 PM

I think it depends on the tree regarding soil out and away from the trunk.

In our yard, I wouldn't even add a 1/4 inch around my Arbutus (madrone) trees.

But around poplar and a few maples, I'd feel okay adding maybe 1/2 inch - preferrably in the lowest spots.

It's not just a matter of soil on trunks.

Roots exchange gases. They use oxygen and release carbon dioxide. Additional soil can interfere with that.

Ekka · 18th August 2007, 02:44 PM

Sandybottom

Could you please take some pics and load them up. 800px wide max please.

Roots in sand tend to normally go deeper as the particles allow more air compared to say clay.

The reason why roots will tend to the surface is

# Species tendencies
# Lack of nutrient deeper
# Moisture
# Anchorage

Now in a sandy soil the moisture one is least likely, sand tends to dry out quick on the surface as anyone who walks the beach would know.

The nutrient issue, sandy soils leach easily (nutrients wash down in the profile). Thats said it could be that nutrients are more commonly refreshed/found at the surface.

Anchorage is vital, a wide spread buttress system would be of benefit.

Anyway, here's a page about soils. We are all about trees - soil

Now whilst it's based here in Brisbane it does give you some ideas for working with it.

I would say topping over with some sandy soil a little at a time is OK, by a little I mean maybe 1" at a time.. but do keep away from the trunk by say 6".

Pics will allow us a little bit more of an idea what you have there, and perhaps to remodel your garden.

sandybottom · 18th August 2007, 04:12 PM

Thank you. I will send pictures and see about feeding these babies.

18th August 2007, 10:49 AM	#1 (permalink)
sandybottom Sappling Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: montana Posts: 10	Erosion around tree base Our five poplar type trees live in very sandy soil. Other than my previous post where roots are popping up all over my yard, I would also like to know about the long exposed roots that are more at the base of the tree...from the trunk to about five feet into the yard. I was told that under no circumstance do we build dirt up around the trunk because it could cause trunk rot. But... can we build dirt up from trunk base level out to the yard?

18th August 2007, 01:35 PM	#2 (permalink)
mdvaden Over mature heritage tree Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Oregon Posts: 543	I think it depends on the tree regarding soil out and away from the trunk. In our yard, I wouldn't even add a 1/4 inch around my Arbutus (madrone) trees. But around poplar and a few maples, I'd feel okay adding maybe 1/2 inch - preferrably in the lowest spots. It's not just a matter of soil on trunks. Roots exchange gases. They use oxygen and release carbon dioxide. Additional soil can interfere with that. __________________ ____________________________________ Grove of Redwood TITANS Oregon BIGOOT trap

18th August 2007, 02:44 PM	#3 (permalink)
Ekka Eric Frei Administrator - Brisbane L5 (Dip) Hort Cert III Arb + some Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 6,847	Sandybottom Could you please take some pics and load them up. 800px wide max please. Roots in sand tend to normally go deeper as the particles allow more air compared to say clay. The reason why roots will tend to the surface is # Species tendencies # Lack of nutrient deeper # Moisture # Anchorage Now in a sandy soil the moisture one is least likely, sand tends to dry out quick on the surface as anyone who walks the beach would know. The nutrient issue, sandy soils leach easily (nutrients wash down in the profile). Thats said it could be that nutrients are more commonly refreshed/found at the surface. Anchorage is vital, a wide spread buttress system would be of benefit. Anyway, here's a page about soils. We are all about trees - soil Now whilst it's based here in Brisbane it does give you some ideas for working with it. I would say topping over with some sandy soil a little at a time is OK, by a little I mean maybe 1" at a time.. but do keep away from the trunk by say 6". Pics will allow us a little bit more of an idea what you have there, and perhaps to remodel your garden. __________________ Remember to use the "search" function, if you have answers/questions post them so everyone can benefit. Free Tree and Green Industry Link Directory Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding and Stump Removal Brisbane Brisbane Tree Care, Consultations, Developer, Tree and Arborist Reports Forum Sponsors

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18th August 2007, 04:12 PM	#4 (permalink)
sandybottom Sappling Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: montana Posts: 10	Thank you. I will send pictures and see about feeding these babies.