How to back fill an established tree to prevent root rot? - Ask Extension
Pine tree stump has been ground away from the base of a
popular tree leaving a hole about a foot deep and three feet in diameter. What type of soil ...
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How to back fill an established tree to prevent root rot? #355288
Asked August 21, 2016, 7:47 PM EDT
Pine tree stump has been ground away from the base of a popular tree leaving a hole about a foot deep and three feet in diameter. What type of soil do I use to fill it with so as to prevent root rot to the popular tree -- clay, sand, combination?? Pine tree roots intertwined with popular tree roots so the ends are still there. Do I cover them with trim sealer before putting in the soil?
Mecklenburg County North Carolina
Expert Response
Hello
It is actually best to leave a wound like that exposed. Adding soil can cause rotting to accelerate. Leave a wound like that exposed will allow the tree to heal itself.
It is actually best to leave a wound like that exposed. Adding soil can cause rotting to accelerate. Leave a wound like that exposed will allow the tree to heal itself.
Tree has been removed. Exposed roots are those of the removed pine tree. (Sorry the photo is not clear on that.) There will not be any "healing". The pine tree roots go under the popular tree and around its roots. The hole is about a foot deep. Water will collect there if we do not fill it. Collected water will rot the popular tree roots, yes? Rot has already attacked the pine tree roots. One of the reasons it fell. So doesn't the hole need to be filled to keep the water away from the popular tree?
I apologize, I misunderstood your first question. Refilling it with a clay/topsoil mixture may help your existing tree. If you would like to contact me my phone to discuss what you can do please email me your contact info to <personal data hidden> and I can give you a call .
