Landscaping question: Burying trees

[MichelDionne]

Hi,

I'm planning a retaining wall that would raise the level of my yard by several feet at a location where three large (75+ feet) firs are planted. I have heard that this would kill the trees and do not want to lose them. Can I box the trees in to keep the dirt from burying them and fill this box with drainage rock / barkmulch or would this also kill them?

Any info is appreciated.

Michel

 

[Tom Dunlap]

Do a google search on "construction damage to trees" and maybe "grade change to trees"

Short answer, you probably can't build big enough bunkers to save the trees.

 

[underwor]

I agree with Tom, the roots that are important are in the top 12 inches or less of the soil and extend to a distance of about 3-5 times the spread of the branches. This is one big bunker.

If you go ahead with your plan, they may sort of survive for another 5-10 years, but when they look bad after about 2 years, be sure to give credit to the fill and not some innocent insect or disease that found a weak tree and took advantage of it.

 

[Ekka]

Try this

http://www.penpages.psu.edu/penpages_reference/29401/29401150.html