We recently completed a low deck that mostly surrounds a tree but there is a gap in the back. We were planning on filling the space with soil however I’ve been reading that can damage the tree. The dirt would cover an additional ~2 vertical ft around ~1/4 of the base. This tree is at least 40ft high and ~4ft in diameter but I’m not certain of the type.
I’ve seen similar posts but I was just wondering if some amount of coverage can be tolerated or if I should avoid it altogethe? Are there alternatives such as rocks that wouldnt damage the tree?
hastipuddn
Trunks are not waterproof like roots. They rot instead.
redheadMInerd2
The top of the soil should be no higher than where the bottom of the trunk flare on the tree is.
There is no exception except for tree death.
Optimassacre
Why don’t you under plant it with ferns or hostas or something.
4 Comments
We recently completed a low deck that mostly surrounds a tree but there is a gap in the back. We were planning on filling the space with soil however I’ve been reading that can damage the tree. The dirt would cover an additional ~2 vertical ft around ~1/4 of the base. This tree is at least 40ft high and ~4ft in diameter but I’m not certain of the type.
I’ve seen similar posts but I was just wondering if some amount of coverage can be tolerated or if I should avoid it altogethe? Are there alternatives such as rocks that wouldnt damage the tree?
Trunks are not waterproof like roots. They rot instead.
The top of the soil should be no higher than where the bottom of the trunk flare on the tree is.
There is no exception except for tree death.
Why don’t you under plant it with ferns or hostas or something.