Any tree experts?

[JohnMickish]

I have an ash tree in my front yard that is about 25-30 foot tall and it has one root that is about 3 inches in diameter that is coming out of the ground. This root is in the way of some landscaping we want to do so it there any way to remove it without killing the tree?

[EJ]

If it's coming out of the ground I am assuming it is a pretty large root and I would not risk cutting it on that size of tree.

EJ

[Powerstroke]

Some tree species like ash, silver maple and a few others, their roots tend to come to the surface because they like oxygen from the air, and because they don't do well in compacted soils. The fact that it is at the surface is not an indicator of anything.

A 3" root is quite substantial for a tree of that size, especially for an ash tree. I would not risk cutting it.

What type of landscaping are you doing that it is the way? Maybe I can suggest an alternative.

Generally if you try to cover the root with dirt to bury it, the root will resurface on its own because thats where they like to be.

[JohnMickish]

We want to put a 1.5 foot ring around it with landscaping blocks. I could just leave a little gap where the root is located and you wouldn't see it from the road but I'd see from the house. That is probably what I will have to do. If it matters the soil is very sandy, in fact my yard is a beach and I'm 2.01 miles from the lake!

[RobertELee]

I was told a few years back that putting things around a tree was not good for it because it doesn't allow the tree and the soil to breath. We lost a couple of small maples because we had a rock ring around them.

[FRESHWATER PETIE]

Quote:

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I was told a few years back that putting things around a tree was not good for it because it doesn't allow the tree and the soil to breath.

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Very true! Using mulch around a tree is better for the tree. Mulch is easier to move than rock ,when the tree trunk gets larger than the original landscaping.

[so haaad]

Part of my job requires me to be a tree inspector. I agree with the last two posts. Stay away from altering the soil around the base of the tree. If you insist on changing it, use a mulch or other product and not cement or solid brick pavers.

[JohnMickish]

Should have stated the ring will be about 1.5 feet high and 6.5 feet diameter. It will have dirt/mulch/compost in it with some overpriced grass clumps and more overpriced plants in it. The depth/diameter has been Ok'd by a liscensed landscape architect so I'm comfortable with that, just wondering about that root. It looks like I'm just going to leave a little gap for it.

[Powerstroke]

I would leave a gap for it. I've been thinking that maybe the block could be cut to fit over the top of it, but I'm not convinced that would be a good idea either.

I'm glad to hear you are adding a tree ring. I don't know your motivation, but it is better for the tree than you think. It wwill really helpt he tree out by having that "natural" area surrounding the base of the tree.

[JohnMickish]

My motivation is the wife said she wanted it that way! I want a new boat so I am playing give and take right now, only there is alot more give than take, but I'll get mine!

[LABS4ME]

I've been a certied Nurseryman with the state of MN, have a degree in horticulture and work as a landscape contractor for 23 years. I will give you more insight, but without more specifics, have someone on site give you the nod.

If the tree is only going to lose one root, it should have little (probably zero) bearing on it's health and stability. The root zone of the tree is generally equal to 2/3 - 3/4 of the mass of branching on the tree's canopy. That's a lot of root! Removing a 3" limb should have no adverse effect. Remember the limbs are as important as the roots for this is where it's food is made, but few people would have little qualms of removing a 3" limb if it was in the way. If you have some concern in the eliminating of a major root, you can compensate by removing the same amount of canopy. This does not have to be the removal of one large limb, but rather an overall thinning throughout the plant.

If this tree is 6-8" in diameter or smaller, it would be a prime candidate to be re-located by a tree spader out of a nursery. In this case the very root we are talking about saving would be severed at approx. the same location of his wall. A tree that size could be moved during the spring with a 65-76" spade no problem and during the growing season with a 80-90" spade. There are many many roots in the 2-3" range that are cut during this process and the trees generally rebound fully within one year. An ash tree is very resiliant.

Of more importance than eliminating this root, would be the height of the wall. Soil heights should never encroach more than 6" above the base of the trunk. The trunk is can easily rot. We void all warranties on trees we plant when the home owner alters the soil height around the trunk of the tree.

A quality licensed tree care company ( not just tree trimmers) can come out assess what you are doing, or ask at your nursery and garden center if they have a certified nursery and landscape professional on staff to assess all facets of what you're going to do.

Good Luck!

Ken

[JohnMickish]

LABS, do you guys ever do any work in this part of the city?

[LABS4ME]

We've gone all over the midwest! We have an excellent staff of designers and crews. Let me know if you need any help or advise.

Good Luck!

Ken

[JohnMickish]

Send me an email with a contact number and maybe we can set up a quick appointment for sometime when you or one of your people are in the area. I'd just like to get a second oppinion on the tree.

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