landscaping around trees

Joey Meister

so i know changing the soil grade around trees is bad for the tree, but what about building a patio around the tree using 1 inch thick brick pave stones ? would it be the same as planting a tree in the middle of a city sidewalk? or hurt them just like adding soil on top? i would plan on putting them about two feet from the trunks, but will not do anything until i am sure it will not hurt the tree

Darrell Mcleod

Big topic, depends on how you do it - can the paving be permeable, what sort of tree it is, how it will continue to grow, grade changes generally are a no no etc

Pics of the tree would help

Brent Ferris

If you plant a tree into an existing condition (surround of paving stones) the tree has to work with whatever it is given.
If you add paving stones over an existing root system, the tree loses a significant portion of its roots and its absorbing capability. Tree roots spread out from the tree trunk, past the dripline. They do not normally grow vertically into the ground like carrots.
Some trees are more aggressive and can survive despite this drastic treatment like Tree-of-Heaven (Ailanthus canadensis) or Manitoba Maple (Acer negundo) but most trees suffer drastically. Even if you use paving stones such as pierced pavement (which has an outside margin, and some inner netting -- all of stone).
The problem usually comes from installing a bed of granular material to support the paving stones, Some are permeable, some impermeable. BUt typically, the installers remove all foreign matter (like roots) so the pavers can be laid level.

So if I wanted a patio around a tree, I would put down chunky mulch and use that as my base, and forgo the stone. As a secondary option, I would use pea-gravel instead as a mulch. Easier to level, but harder on the feet. Still allows air exchange, and water infiltration. But, is a PITA to rake leaves from.

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My business: Tree Pruning and Removals -- Strump Removals -- Advice -- Consulting -- Arborist Reports
If you want an honest opinion, call Brent Ferris...because, Trees want to Live Too !
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MoDirt

Pea gravel and blower/vaccums make for work in which a man can also weild a beer.

Joey Meister

Thanks for the advise, i was thinking it was not the best idea, and i think mulch would be the best bet, the trees in question are a weeping birch and a white birch, i heard that they do not like grass under them so if i go with mulch or gravel that would be fine, i have noticed the most healthy looking birches in town have big islands of either mulch or rocks extending past the trees drip line, the ones with grass growing up to the trunk generally do not look as healthy

Brent Ferris

Birch also don't like ground disturbance of any kind, so digging is completely out. THe weeping Birch are even more susceptible, in my experience,.

__________________
My business: Tree Pruning and Removals -- Strump Removals -- Advice -- Consulting -- Arborist Reports
If you want an honest opinion, call Brent Ferris...because, Trees want to Live Too !
We do great jobs, even in small yards.

Free Estimates Oakville to Oshawa - North to Bradford (Will travel further if cost of travelling covered)