I have a cherry tree with a three inch (≈ 80 mm) trunk, and I want to
landscape the ground upward around the trunk a couple of feet (≈ 60 cm).

I just learned about Stem Griddling Roots (SGR)
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distrib...es/DD7501.html
videos
http://www.righttreerightplace.com/planting/howTo.asp#

Although this isn't a tree fresh from the nursery, raising the ground
level may give the roots an opportunity for SGR. Are there some
precautions I should take? Should I surround the trunk with something?
If so what could it be? It would have to accommodate the trunk growth
yet prevent the roots from encroaching.

--
*********************
* Nehmo Sergheyev *
*********************

Nehmo Sergheyev wrote:
I have a cherry tree with a three inch (≈ 80 mm) trunk, and I
want to landscape the ground upward around the trunk a couple of
feet (≈ 60 cm).

I just learned about Stem Griddling Roots (SGR)
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distrib...es/DD7501.html
videos
http://www.righttreerightplace.com/planting/howTo.asp#

Although this isn't a tree fresh from the nursery, raising the
ground level may give the roots an opportunity for SGR. Are there
some precautions I should take? Should I surround the trunk with
something?
If so what could it be? It would have to accommodate the trunk
growth
yet prevent the roots from encroaching.

Do you mean you are going to put a couple of feet of soil on top of the
ground where the tree is planted? That will kill the tree for sure.

--

Travis in Shoreline (just North of Seattle) Washington
USDA Zone 8b
Sunset Zone 5

- Travis -
Do you mean you are going to put a couple of feet of soil on top of
the
ground where the tree is planted? That will kill the tree for sure.

- Nehmo -
Yes, that's what's going to happen. I didn't know it would kill the
tree. Are you sure? Why would it?

--
*********************
* Nehmo Sergheyev *
*********************

Wrapping black plastic around the area might stop growth by excluding light.
"Nehmo Sergheyev" wrote in message
...
- Travis -
Do you mean you are going to put a couple of feet of soil on top of
the
ground where the tree is planted? That will kill the tree for sure.

- Nehmo -
Yes, that's what's going to happen. I didn't know it would kill the
tree. Are you sure? Why would it?

--
*********************
* Nehmo Sergheyev *
*********************

Nehmo Sergheyev wrote:
- Travis -
Do you mean you are going to put a couple of feet of soil on top of
the
ground where the tree is planted? That will kill the tree for sure.

- Nehmo -
Yes, that's what's going to happen. I didn't know it would kill the
tree. Are you sure? Why would it?


If it's deep enough, and/or covers enough of the root area, you'll
essentially suffocate the tree. There also could be other problems with
bare soil stacked against the trunk.

Just as the article you linked to earlier noted that stem girdling roots
can be more of a problem with certain types of trees, those other
factors will affect different types of trees to a different extent as
well.

It's usually possible to create some kind of raised bed near a tree. How
much area it covers, and how deep it can be depends on a lot of
variables. What you seem to be describing sounds to be more than nearly
any tree could tolerate. If you need to change the grade that much, you
might as well count on loosing the tree.

You may want to consult with an arborist not just to confirm what's
being said here, but to possibly offer alternative suggestions for
whatever it is that you're ultimately trying to accomplish.

--
Warren H.

==========
Disclaimer: My views reflect those of myself, and not my
employer, my friends, nor (as she often tells me) my wife.
Any resemblance to the views of anybody living or dead is
coincidental. No animals were hurt in the writing of this
response -- unless you count my dog who desperately wants
to go outside now.
Compare the newest tax preparation software apps:
http://www.holzemville.com/mall/taxes/index.html

You may be able to raise the grade and protect the tree with a tree
well.

http://www.wvu.edu/~agexten/hortcult.../treewells.htm

Nehmo Sergheyev wrote:
- Travis -
Do you mean you are going to put a couple of feet of soil on top
of the ground where the tree is planted? That will kill the tree
for sure.

- Nehmo -
Yes, that's what's going to happen. I didn't know it would kill the
tree. Are you sure? Why would it?

You will smother it. The roots need oxygen. If you don't believe me
ask your county extension agent.

--

Travis in Shoreline (just North of Seattle) Washington
USDA Zone 8b
Sunset Zone 5

- Nehmo -
I have a cherry tree with a three inch (≈ mm) trunk, and I want to
landscape the ground upward around the trunk a couple of feet (≈ 60
cm).

I just learned about Stem Griddling Roots (SGR)
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distrib...es/DD7501.html
videos
http://www.righttreerightplace.com/planting/howTo.asp#

Although this isn't a tree fresh from the nursery, raising the ground
level may give the roots an opportunity for SGR. Are there some
precautions I should take? Should I surround the trunk with something?
If so what could it be? It would have to accommodate the trunk growth
yet prevent the roots from encroaching.

Oops, it's Stem Girdling Roots (SGR or SGRs). You see, hard to believe,
but even *I* make errors.

--
*********************
* Nehmo Sergheyev *
*********************

I have a cherry tree with a three inch (≈ 80 mm) trunk, and I want to
landscape the ground upward around the trunk a couple of feet (≈ 60 cm).


Forget it. If you raise the ground level that much you may suffocate the tree
long before you get any girdling roots. If you were going to raise the
surrounding ground level by a foot or less, you could build a retaining wall
around the perimeter of the root system. For the change you anticipate, the
only practical solution which will save the tree is to lift it, with the
rootball more or less intact, and replant it at the new level or plant it
somewhere else. If the tree is valuable, you may need a professional arborist.
Iris,
Central NY, Zone 5a, Sunset Zone 40
"A tree never hits an automobile except in self defense." - Woody Allen

I didn't know it would kill the
tree. Are you sure? Why would it?

Did you get my previous message? Roots require air. If you pile two feet of
dirt on top of the roots, the plant will suffocate like a drowned man.

Iris,
Central NY, Zone 5a, Sunset Zone 40
"A tree never hits an automobile except in self defense." - Woody Allen