Under the Maple

[gamekeeper]

My shade garden is created by a large maple with a huge root system.I have been told not to cover exposed roots.Would tis apply to putting compost over these huge roots to put a few plants in that space?

[govgirl75]

We have a large sugar maple in our front yard and have the same problem. We put a real thick layer of mulch (finely shredded tree bark) around the base of the tree to about 10 feet from the trunk and have had no problems so far. It forms a dense mat. We do water our trees very deeply at least twice a season, so that may have helped. I have heard that you can put up to 4 inches of dirt over maple roots without suffocating the tree. Hope this helps.
Glo

[gamekeeper]

A big help thanks Glo.

[gamekeeper]

Well I keep putting kennel compost under the tree then added a bunch of top soil from the store put in a Hydranger vine ,Euonomus,and Vinca.Just starting but it will have to be an improvement.Chris will love my spelling!

[Ginger]

Water deep or the roots will start coming up to the surface again !

Ginger