Paving round an existing tree

What is the general policy for paving around an existing tree?  Is there an equivalent 'no-dig' option so you don't disturb the roots?  I know we could deck round it but ideally we'd like to do a brick terrace.  Any thoughts and advice would be much appreciated.

Many thanks

Views: 409

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Benjamin O'Neill on October 11, 2012 at 12:43

what is the diameter of the tree ?

Permalink Reply by Melissa Jolly on October 11, 2012 at 14:40

It's about 150/180mm - unfortunately I don't know what species it is.  I've attached a photo.  Thanks


PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Neal Barker @ Etesia uk on October 11, 2012 at 15:12

I would pave up to about 12" round the tree (more if you can) and build a seating box round to cover the unpaved area.

if you pave right up to the tree it will move and lift over time and look bad

Permalink Reply by Melissa Jolly on October 11, 2012 at 15:22

Thanks for your advice.

Melissa

Permalink Reply by Ian Howes on October 11, 2012 at 15:28

My understanding is that feeder roots are close to the soil surface and tend stretch out as far as the tree canopy.

 

Permalink Reply by Melissa Jolly on October 11, 2012 at 15:31

Yes - that's what I thought, which is why I would be reluctant to excavate with in the RPA...just wondered if there was a cunning way of doing it without damaging the roots.

Permalink Reply by Colin Hunt on October 11, 2012 at 17:21

How about a tree grille and then paving?  Loads of examples here http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=tree+grilles&hl=en&prmd=im...

Permalink Reply by Benjamin O'Neill on October 11, 2012 at 17:32

if your brick round it but leave a square border edge about 12 inces then lay a thick gravel over the bare soil. to keep the weeds down but still allow water to filter thought to the roots.

Permalink Reply by Simon Smith on October 11, 2012 at 19:25

have you considered resin bonded gravel ( http://www.pavingexpert.com/resin.htm )

or play ground safety matting (http://www.aileplay.com/Rubber-mats-ProductShow-1.html)

Permalink Reply by Kevin Barnett on October 11, 2012 at 21:08

If you pave around the tree you stand the risk of:

1. disturbing the root zone = potential loss

2. by the act of paving cutting off the source of water and nutrients to the tree = Potential loss.

 

Permalink Reply by John on October 11, 2012 at 21:48

If you have to pave the area then do it and take a chance, the shallow root

 system will be in the next garden as well, so it will probably be ok.

Just raise up the level so that you are not damaging the roots and leave an

  18" gap around the trunk, -just make sure you do not raise the soil level around

the trunk. 

Permalink Reply by Melissa Jolly on October 11, 2012 at 22:35

Thanks very much everyone - I really appreciate the advice.  I will take a view on whether it is worth doing or not.

▶ Reply to Discussion

RSS

What's hot this week? 

1 Concrete Slab (shed base)

Concrete Slab (shed base)
2 Correct Bedding Mix - Help Required

Correct Bedding Mix - Help Required
3 Raise the horticulture minimum wage for the sake of the industry and its practitioners

Raise the horticulture minimum wage for the sake of the industry and its practitioners
4 www.etesia.co.uk

www.etesia.co.uk
5 I'm going to be a dad again.

I'm going to be a dad again.

© 2013   Landscape Juice ® Limited - Registered in England 08356644

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Privacy Policy  |  Terms of Service