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Lowering soil level around tree

AstraeusAstraeus Posts: 336
in Problem solving
Hello,

We planted a 2-year old rowan and 2-year old crab apple last year in a bed near to our boundary.

Our garden renovation this year requires that we take the soil level down around 10-15cm, including the soil around the trees. As these are still relatively immature trees, am I better off taking them out, keeping as much of the rootball intact, and replanting them once we have reduced the soil level or taking the soil away, leaving less soil on top of the roots but not taking the trees out?

Many thanks,

A.

Posts

  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    I think better to lift and replant them, unless you can build "raised" beds around the trees to keep the soil at the current level around them, unless you planted them deeper than they were in their original pots (or soil level if you bought them as bare roots). They should be planted at that original level.
    More generally, it's more work but unless you're blessed with very deep topsoil, it would  be better to move the topsoil from the area, lower the level by removing subsoil then put the topsoil back. You don't want to be chucking out your topsoil and being left with only a thin layer.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • K67K67 Posts: 2,506
    Really depends on whether you expose the roots.
    As they are newly planted they should be fine to replant or put a ring of bricks or stones about 1ft from the trunk and leave the soil height inside.
    If they are near the boundary you could check that they have enough growing room , nothing worse than a neighbour hacking at your over hanging tree
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    Lift and replant, the root balls won't be that big 
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    I agree but water thoroughly first then lift and either re-plant immediately or keep in pots till their new home is ready.  It's not the best time of year to be doing this so make sure they are re-planted well and kept watered during this first growing season,  wherever they end up.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • AstraeusAstraeus Posts: 336
    Thank you all.

    I will go with your recommendation of lifting and replanting immediately. @JennyJ, we actually have around 10 tonnes of topsoil heaped on our driveway awaiting a grab hire truck on Thursday. It is a real shame to see it go but I have no use for it. I'll grab some of that, carve out the subsoil and replace it with the topsoil.
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    I wish I lived near you - I could use some extra topsoil.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • AstraeusAstraeus Posts: 336
    JennyJ said:
    I wish I lived near you - I could use some extra topsoil.
    It'd be a trip down the M18!

    I sifted through it this morning (for 5 hours!) and took around two tonnes of the very best stuff out. I'm much happier with the pile that is going now, which is a good mix of subsoil, concrete, brick and topsoil.
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