I believe the yellowing is from the changing weather (ontario). This tree came with the house and has grown quite a bit. I want to make sure it continues to grow healthy.
Do I need a tree well? Is there anything else I should be doing to improve the livelihood/quality of the tree?
Sorry for being such an amateur.
by Aliencj
8 Comments
Expose the root flare 🤓🤓🤓
I would clear some of the grass from around the base and remove some dirt while being careful not to damage the tree 🙂
Root collar excavation by a certified arborist. The tree is planted too deep. Fertilizer would be a waste of money, as there are likely girdling roots and soil is holding lots of moisture right up against the trunk. You could fertilize it after the root flare has been nicely exposed
Honeylocust. Pretty trees.
Remove the grass a few feet around the trunk. Try to carefully dig down to expose the root flare. Put down mulch around the trunk when you remove the grass – keep the mulch a few inches away from the flare so it can breathe.
Air spade to expose root collar, trim girdling roots, put soil back at correct level and then mulch 8 ft diameter ring
Clear that lawn back. 2 ft at LEAST. 5-10 would better.
Then excavate and root prune as needed to expose the root flare.
Then the hard part: KEEP IT CLEAR FOREVER.
Ok after everyone’s advice I’ve taken the first step towards exposing the root flare by contacting the city and requesting a callback from their forestry department. It’s a city owned tree, so I need to speak to them about what can be done to help the tree.
I sincerely appreciate all the advice here and feel free to keep it coming!
You may do all sorts of things to “help the tree”, but you may be disappointed one day when you drive up to find that the city has cut it down when it gets large enough to start causing problems where it’s planted.
Is this your responsibility or the city?