River birch pruning - Ask Extension
Hi, after a recent pool install we find ourselves in need of covering the base of the tree with 3-4’ of dirt to mitigate the new slope.
I plante...
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River birch pruning #890207
Asked November 23, 2024, 12:00 PM EST
Hi, after a recent pool install we find ourselves in need of covering the base of the tree with 3-4’ of dirt to mitigate the new slope.
I planted the tree 4 years ago and want to prune the bottom 3 branches circled in red on the cropped image.
Do I need to seal the cuts?
Thanks!!!
Cecil County Maryland
Expert Response
Plant and tree roots need not only water but also oxygen.
If you pile excess soil over roots it will kill the tree.
Do you mean 3-4 inches as opposed to feet? (three to four inches would be o.k. but not more than that).
It's not uncommon to see trees planted or mulched too deeply (you should be able to see a flare or widening of the trunk before it goes into the ground), which can stress and eventually cause decline and death over time.
Perhaps there is a different way to proceed?
Christine
If you pile excess soil over roots it will kill the tree.
Do you mean 3-4 inches as opposed to feet? (three to four inches would be o.k. but not more than that).
It's not uncommon to see trees planted or mulched too deeply (you should be able to see a flare or widening of the trunk before it goes into the ground), which can stress and eventually cause decline and death over time.
Perhaps there is a different way to proceed?
Christine
