oak trees - how much dirt can you pile around them?

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sundry Franklin, LA(Zone 9a) Oct 06, 2003

this question has come up in the Garden Talk forum. Is it ok to build a raised bed under an oak? If so, how deep is it safe to build it?

I know of several ancient oaks that died as a result of their roots being 'smothered' under a new flower bed, and don't want to see it happen again.

I hope someone knows ... Thanx!

Cheri'

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raisedbedbob Walkerton, VA(Zone 7a) Oct 06, 2003

Sundry, I read somewhere that even an inch is dangerous. I have a friend who surrounded a big old oak with some medium sized stones, filled it with top soil, and planted flowers in it. The flowers survived; the oak tree didn't. I don't think it lasted a year.

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sundry Franklin, LA(Zone 9a) Oct 06, 2003

*sigh*

That's what I was afraid of, raisedbedbob.
Thanx for answering.

Cheri'

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ButterflyGardnr Orlando, FL(Zone 9b) Oct 06, 2003

Only 1-2" of soil on top of the roots is the max, and, as was previously said, that can still kill the tree.

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scooterbug Tellico Plains, TN(Zone 7b) Oct 06, 2003

I totally agree as I was involved in the landscaping business once and we always advised against raising the soil level around any tree which would be fatal for them.I believe that this actually suffocates them. We also refused these jobs.........what's a few bucks compared to these magnificent old trees?
SB

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Zanymuse Scotia, CA(Zone 9b) Oct 06, 2003

Rather than raising the soil over the trees roots I have always used large planters to plant under a tree. This allows underplantings to have the proper soil and lets the tree continue to breath.

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sundry Franklin, LA(Zone 9a) Oct 07, 2003

Thank you all so much for the info. I believe I'm going to stick with containers.

Cheri'

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