Gardening

Major Nikon

(36,914 posts)

36. Compacted soil will prevent water from reaching the roots

Mon Oct 5, 2020, 10:53 AM

Oct 2020

Trees that require a lot of water will do poorly with compacted soil and this may not manage to kill the tree until it gets closer to maturity, or if the soil is compacted after it’s mature. Either way the remaining roots can make improving the soil difficult.

Some things you can do to improve the soil is to put a tree ring around the tree and expand it as the tree grows. Periodically add organic material inside the ring (manure/compost) covered with a layer of mulch and keep people from walking on it. The organic material will encourage worms to the area which will keep the soil aerated and the mulch will help to retain moisture and distribute weight when people inevitably walk on it.

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So I thought my elm tree needed pruning and invited some estimates [View all] Baltimike Oct 2020 OP

I have been seeing a lovely tree everywhere lately. Cracklin Charlie Oct 2020 #1

Well you need to tell me where this is to be planted StClone Oct 2020 #2

I am in zone 7a, and am open to suggestions...maybe a flowering tree Baltimike Oct 2020 #4

I'll give a list here of workable choices StClone Oct 2020 #18

Where do you live ??? SamKnause Oct 2020 #3

Baltimike is from Baltimore, MD, zone 7a nt Baltimike Oct 2020 #5

Hybrid Poplar grows 5 to 8 feet per year. SamKnause Oct 2020 #10

"So does anyone have a recommendation of a tree to plant in its stead?" Botany Oct 2020 #6

I would be happy to plant two or three in Big Elm's stead. Baltimike Oct 2020 #8

Does the area get plenty of water? Botany Oct 2020 #9

It is a very wet area...humind for sure, but I have good drainage. nt Baltimike Oct 2020 #11

Go for a black gum then. Botany Oct 2020 #12

american cucumber tree? Baltimike Oct 2020 #15

Just looked it up but it* is native a little west of you. Botany Oct 2020 #17

How long after felling the elm tree do I have to wait to plant others? Baltimike Oct 2020 #19

As long as you have no roots in the way you can plant now Botany Oct 2020 #20

roots in the way? Like stump grinding removes them? Baltimike Oct 2020 #21

Stump grinding removes the stump Major Nikon Oct 2020 #22

Ok, I am serious, bc I really don't know Baltimike Oct 2020 #23

Don't worry too much about old roots-here is what you do StClone Oct 2020 #26

OMG, thank you for all of this Baltimike Oct 2020 #27

Friend No need to remove all the roots StClone Oct 2020 #32

I'm sure you could get a tree service to do it Major Nikon Oct 2020 #31

Hold up...should I be looking for a tree that grows in compacted soil? Baltimike Oct 2020 #35

Compacted soil will prevent water from reaching the roots Major Nikon Oct 2020 #36

Not a lot of people walk on it as I have a sidewlk leading to my porch Baltimike Oct 2020 #37

Crepe myrtle does well in poor soil Major Nikon Oct 2020 #38

I am looking for something a little bit bigger Baltimike Oct 2020 #39

I have an ash tree that is at least 30x30 Major Nikon Oct 2020 #40

I feel for you. CrispyQ Oct 2020 #7

I planted a white oak sapling I found growing on my property 20 years ago. OAITW r.2.0 Oct 2020 #14

When I hear White Oak I think StClone Oct 2020 #25

Interesting....had to look up this bird to see what it looked like. OAITW r.2.0 Oct 2020 #28

It's a small but stunning bird. StClone Oct 2020 #30

That is so sad. Look up, Linden Tree. wendyb-NC Oct 2020 #13

Yep. I really love this tree. I would save him if I could Baltimike Oct 2020 #16

Growing up in So. Maine in the 50/50s, we had beautiful American Elms and Horse Chestnut trees. OAITW r.2.0 Oct 2020 #29

If the catalpa grows in your area, you might consider one. The Velveteen Ocelot Oct 2020 #24

That's really beautiful. Baltimike Oct 2020 #33

I should add that I have cats that like to lounge in the yard. Baltimike Oct 2020 #34