Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Landscape - Grade Changes Can Affect Trees

The following is a short article on how soil grade changes can affect trees.

Adding or removing even a small amount of soil at the surface of the tree’s root zone will damage the tree. Excess soil on top of the roots reduces the oxygen available. Since most of a tree’s roots are in the top 6 inches, removal of soil also means removal of roots. Avoid grade changes greater than 2 inches. Be aware that the root system may spread far beyond the furthest branches (drip line) of the tree, typically two to three times or more.

Information from Dr. Susan Barton, Extension Ornamental Horticulture Specialist, UD.

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