QuestionSorry, I'll try to re-state the question. In my back yard are 3 adult live oaks, spaced close together. The previous homeowner placed a 2' retaining wall around them and filled it with soil & lava rocks. They survived this, but what happens if I want to remove the soil & rocks, thereby exposing the bottom 2' of tree trunks? I've been told to exercise care in removing soil from around trees that have had this procedure done. I hope this is clearer, sorry to have confused the issue.
AnswerIF there has been 2 feet of soil and rock added around the trees I would remove it as soon as possible. Look at the trunk and it should have a slight flare near the ground level which is the area where the first roots branch from the trunk. . Only remove the soil and rock down to this flare that way you will not damage the trees roots. If there is soil above the flare, very carefully remove it down to the flare
