Mimosa (silk) tree surface roots

[Joe Petrov]

I have an adult silk tree in my back yard. We want to put a bench on pavers around the tree with a flower bed approximately 2 foot radius from the trunk of the tree. The tree has extend at least 4 roots (largest + or- 4 inches) that are basically at ground surface. They show through the lawn. Are these normally the main support and nuitrition source for the tree or are there also deeper roots? If I were to cut these surface roots in order to place pavers and a paver base around the tree, what are the odds the tree would either die or be unsupported in a wind storm?

If the roots cannot be cut, can they be covered with up to 4 inches of paver sand?


Thanks

Joe

[Rima]

There will be much deeper roots, a lot of which will depend from the under-soil extension of the surface roots, and if you put sand or grit, or anything there, it can seriously damage the tree.

[Joe Petrov]

Rima,

Thank you for your response. I am not quite sure what you mean by the "from the under soil extension of the roots.

If I were to cut and remove the surface surface roots, there would be about 2-4 inches of paver sand under the pavers. The top of the pavers would be at ground surface so the paver sand would be about 6-8 inches deep.

Joe

[Rima]

What look to be 'surface' roots extend deep into the ground, and if, on those extensions, a lot of the new feeder roots are attached, you could be killing the main source of nutrients for that tree, or root (on which partic. branches depend).

[Joe Petrov]

Thank you for the explanation.

We have decide not to put pavers around the tree. We will fill over the roots with soil and probably bark and leave the roots undisturbed.

Joe Petrov

[Raakel]

Hello Joe,

The addition of soil or mulch over the roots of your tree can cause serious damage by depriving the roots of water and oxygen. Below are a few links which describe the damage that may be caused. Consider relocating the flower bed as you may loose your tree.

http://www.ext.colostate.edu/PUBS/garden/02926.html

http://www.mortonarb.org/research/treeroots.html

Raakel

[Joe Petrov]

Thank you for the information.

A small flower bed plus or minus 2 feet in radius exists around the tree at present. We have decided to change our plans by simply replanting this area with some minor shape adjustments. We do not want to risk damaging the tree.

Joe