sand within drip line over roots

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sand within drip line over roots

Question

Sand tree roots I have a concern for three trees (two alders and one pine) that are near a lake shoreline. A "beach" has been created which placed approx 6 inches of sand over the tree root area. What would be an acceptable depth of sand, if any, and/or tree well and what risk is there to these trees if left as is? Thank you.

Answer
Since sand is porous, up to 8 inches of sand can be added without much damage, where only 1 inch of clay can cut off the oxygen supply. Never let fill touch the stem. Avoid compaction of fill or the original surface when adding in fill material.

Even at six inches deep you may see some dieback of the foliage--this usually shows up a couple of years later.

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