Question
I have three mature redwood trees in my front yard, and put river rock around
them, to keep the weeds down and for decorative look, I was told by a friend
that it was a bad idea and that the trees will die, should I pull up the river rock?
I love my trees.

Answer
Hello,

The rock is not good for the tree roots and the weight of the rocks may also compact the soil around the roots and that is also not good for the roots. It cuts off oxygen to the roots. Those rocks could kill the trees.

Use an organic mulch to control weeds. Organic mulch allows water and oxygen to get to the tree roots and retains moisture. Do not apply a layer of mulch over 4 inches thick.  Organic mulches include wood chips,pine needles,bark and compost.

An inorganic mulch such as pea gravel can also be used but inorganic mulches do not have as many benefits as organic mulch. An inorganic mulch like pea gravel will keep the weeds down and retain some moisture,but thats about all.  Organic mulch adds nutrients to the soil. The major benefit of inorganic mulch is that it does not need to be replenished.

Do not stack the mulch against the tree trunks. Keep the mulch about a foot away from the trunk and extend the mulch out to the dripline of the tree (imagine a circular line created by the outermost line of the tree canopy on the ground. That is the dripline). Good luck. Write back if you have further questions.

Mark Harshman
http://www.mahdrafting.com
Email: [email protected]

http://www.scribd.com/markscrib47