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Tree roots

steveparsons85KmmaCVoFsteveparsons85KmmaCVoF Posts: 10
in Problem solving
Hi, due to several trees in my garden being unstable I dug around one today to investigate the roots. To my surprise the area that you would normally mulch on is covered in membrane. I'm sure I need to remove all this but wanted to check if I would do more harm than good and if there is a reason the membrane should be there?

Posts

  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    I would  remove the membrane, cut a neat circle in the grass around the tree and put a nice thick mulch over the roots. Maybe give it a drink first if the soil seems dry (I can't tell whether it's the kind of membrane that lets water through).

    I'm wondering though, if someone has planted the trees with the rootballs wrapped in the membrane. If the roots haven't been able to grow out properly, that might explain why they're unstable. Not sure what the best solution to that would be.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • steveparsons85KmmaCVoFsteveparsons85KmmaCVoF Posts: 10
    Hi, thanks for the reply, I have cut out all that I can and just replaced with the soil I removed for now. The membrane was just on top almost like it was originally there as a weed guard.

    The soil below membrane was very compacted so hopefully the roots that live near the surface can now spread easier and hopefully get more nutrients which should help stability of the tree. 
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    That sounds quite promising. Hopefully your trees will thank you for it in spring when the new growth starts.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
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