Question
Hi Edward,
My husband and I are having a circular wall put around our red maple in our front yard. There  will be 2 layers plus a cap of pavers used. The person doing this indicated that he would need to raise the tree so it won't become smothered once we fill it in with dirt or mulch.  We planted the tree just a year ago and it was a very expensive tree ($300) and we are afraid of disturbing it.  Is it safe to disturb it now since it's been a year?  We live in upstate NY should you need to know the climate.

Answer
Fran,
raising this tree may cause more problems than it is worth. Since the Maple is only in the ground for 1 year, it is still trying to adjust and grow a full root system. It probably has already sent out it's feeder roots, which would be severed trying to dig it out, causing stress and possible death.
I would recommend that instead of back filling to the trunk. that you create a well around the tree. This will allow you to have the wall, while maintaining the tree at the proper depth and it also allows air and water to penetrate into the root zone.
Good luck.
Ed Gulliksen