Planting around big roots??

Question

I'm planting a plant next to a pine tree. Is it ok to plant it on top of the large roots or should I cut the roots before planting?? Thanks

Answer 1

The closer you get to the trunk of a tree, the more dangerous it is to cut a root. You don't want to either cut a big root, or place any soil on top of the roots of your tree. So if you want the pine tree to live _and_ be healthy, you'll need to select another location for your new plant. Preferably between the large roots, where you can carefully dig a hole large enough for your new plant's roots.

Answer 2

NO! You have no way of determining how many roots that pine tree has. They don't form evenly, they don't form in any particular number. So what happens if you cut 1 of 2 main supporting roots (I learned this the hard way.......tree blew over 4 months later). Also cutting roots opens them up for infection and rot. IF you absolute had to cut.......say a pipe line was going through, the first choice would be to go under the pine...since roots go out, not down..........OR cut no more than 8-10 feet from the main trunk, make that cut as straight and clean as possible......AND avoid water and nitrogen which would favor rot develoment on the cut end.

That said.......I have used sand and compost to make a 2 inch planting bed over roots and put in creeping groundcover that could take hold long enough to seek additonal roots from adventitous roots on stems where soil existed naturally. No more soil disturbance once the area was planted, no digging etc.

Trees are very sensitive to oxygen levels in the soil (that's why so many are right under the soil surface. Also the structure of the epidermis of the tree's roots are different from the trunk......trunk wood doesn't not handle soil and moisture at all well.

Answer 3

The plant won't grow on top of the root. If the tree is dead, cut the root. If the tree is living, put a pot on top of the root the you can fill with clean soil and compost. Maybe a half wine barrel?

The root will stop any growth by the plant.

Answer 4

First, I would have to know what plant you are planting by the pine tree.

I generally recommend not to cut any roots of an established tree just to plant other plants.

Answer 5

first of the rule of thumb in landscaping is if the root is bigger around than your idex finger dont cut it and next planting other plants around trees the plant will require much more water because the tree will be using most of the water in the area

Answer 6

You must not cover the roots. Avoid cutting them if possible. Dig around them without damaging them if you're able. For more info, Skype "katjawahrhaftig"