Landscape Rocks around a Big Established Red Pine Tree - Ask Extension
We recently added 15’ X 15’ of large and medium size rocks (5 cubic yards) around a 80-100 foot Red Pine. After I finished the job my son came ove...
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Landscape Rocks around a Big Established Red Pine Tree #753188
Asked June 01, 2021, 9:08 AM EDT
We recently added 15’ X 15’ of large and medium size rocks (5 cubic yards) around a 80-100 foot Red Pine. After I finished the job my son came over for a visit and questioned if that would hurt the tree. This is something we never considered. We live on a very shaded lot in Nisswa, and the tree (up to this point) is in great shape. Will the weight of the rocks hurt the tree? As much as it pains me (and my aching back) to even think about it we can find a new home for the rocks.
Crow Wing County Minnesota
Expert Response
Good news. A tree expert at the University of Minnesota advised on your question and said "Any damage from the rocks would have occurred when the rocks were dumped around the tree, at which time the fine roots which are within a few inches of the surface of the soils could have been damaged. It is unlikely that the roots system has significant damage (unless some excavation was done to make room for the rocks). Other than that I don't think the rocks will hurt the tree."
You can rest easily now.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, sooooo much!
Have a Great Summer!
Michael
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
On Jun 2, 2021, at 3:04 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
