A tree ring creates a defined border around the base of a tree and can really help protect it from physical damage as well as ensure that the root ball of a new tree has access to the water and nutrients we supply it with. The way they are designed & constructed can affect the tree’s health and growth. Many trees have shallow roots that grow near the soil surface and extend past the tree’s drip line and can be as long as the tree is tall. To prevent damaging the roots and harming the tree, any digging should stay shallow.
What are the benefits of a tree well?
- Tree wells provide protection of the tree trunk from physical damage of the tree by keeping equipment like mowers and trimmers away. Damage to the bark in this area can severely damage or even kill trees.
- Reduced competition for water and nutrients because there is no grass present to compete with the tree.
- Creates a very neat and tidy look in the landscape
How big should a tree well be?
Digging a circle around your tree isn’t just for aesthetics. The ring around a tree should extend to the dripline, or the that the lowest limbs of the tree extend to. If this isn’t feasible, anything more than a 4 feet in diameter should work but the bigger the better.
What if I find large roots when digging?
Be gentle! Avoid damage to any large roots and carefully pull back sod and soil in these areas. These big roots are the conductors that carry water and nutrients back to the tree from the fine root tips. They are very important structures and any damage should be avoided.
What should I mulch with?
Wood chips. They help the tree by conserving moisture, insulating the roots, and keeping them warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. When mulching around trees be careful to avoid piling the mulch deeply around the trunk or creating mulch volcanoes which can do more harm than good!
What about rubber mulch rings?
Rubber mulch rings are less effective than natural mulch and can cause damage to your tree. If they are left without being cut as the tree grows they can actually girdle the stem of the tree resulting in death. As the rubber breaks down over time, the rubber adds toxic contaminants into the soil. Research shows these artificial mulch rings can slow tree growth, turn tree leaves yellow and increase tree mortality.
