Tree life and rocks - Ask Extension
7/31/24.
Will rocks placed around the base of ornamental trees cause distress and/or death to the tree?
The tree in question is a Red Bud.
Knowledgebase
Tree life and rocks #879524
Asked July 31, 2024, 7:50 AM EDT
7/31/24.
Will rocks placed around the base of ornamental trees cause distress and/or death to the tree?
The tree in question is a Red Bud.
Ingham County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi Fred,
Yes, rocks will cause a tree distress, and the resulting weakness makes it more susceptible to pathogens and disease that can cause mortality.
Rocks can absorb the heat of the sun and the warm temperatures can cause root damage and or drought stress. Because most of a tree's roots are in the upper 18 inches of soil, this can cause the tree great stress over time.
If the tree is still alive, best to remove the rocks from around the tree and replace them with mulch. Be sure to keep the mulch at least 6 inches from the tree's trunk on all sides and no more than 2 inches thick.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions.
Thank you,
-Julie
Yes, rocks will cause a tree distress, and the resulting weakness makes it more susceptible to pathogens and disease that can cause mortality.
Rocks can absorb the heat of the sun and the warm temperatures can cause root damage and or drought stress. Because most of a tree's roots are in the upper 18 inches of soil, this can cause the tree great stress over time.
If the tree is still alive, best to remove the rocks from around the tree and replace them with mulch. Be sure to keep the mulch at least 6 inches from the tree's trunk on all sides and no more than 2 inches thick.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions.
Thank you,
-Julie
