Question
We have a concrete tree ring around a carrott tree.  It is about 15" high.  The ring was filled with soil and the tree planted about 10 years ago.  The roots are now cracking the tree ring.   What can be done?  Can we put a steel band or cable around the ring?  

I asked this question last week and never received a reply.  It could be it ended up in the junk mail be accident.  Your help will be appreciated.

Kathleen Furness  

Answer
NO, do not put a band around it. That would do only one of two things: casue the concrete to begin to "bite" into the tree root crown (eventually leading to wounds and paths for disease or infestation) or it woul just cause the cracks to change position and direction.
The only thing to do is remove the concrete tree ring or remove the tree. Unless you can raise the concrete with some sort of shims.

Sean J Murphy, LA,ISA, LEED AP
Please check out my blogs and articles on landscape topics like this on my websites.
http://www.seanjmurphy.com
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