Reasons for a Dying Tree in a Flower Bed
If you have a tree dying in a flower bed, there could be a few causes. First, the way the bed was constructed could actually be killing the tree, even if it was professionally landscaped. Second, the tree could have been harmed years ago and is just now beginning to show signs of its injury; trees can take as long as five years to show their damage. However, you can prevent your tree's death by taking measures to keep it healthy. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Soil Level
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Reduce the soil level. Trees in raised flower beds may have trunks that are covered in soil. This causes the bark to rot and weakens the tree's defense system. Organisms enter the tree and bring disease and decay. Don't place soil any higher than where the bark meets the tree's root covering, according to the website TheTreeTender.com.
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Remove mulch from around the tree trunk. Landscapers often cover flower beds with mulch for aesthetic reasons, but mulch retains water that can cause the trunk to rot and compromise the root system. Replace mulch with dry dirt.
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Avoid growing trees in a container. Container-grown trees sprout deformed roots that can't stretch far enough to obtain moisture and nutrients. Wait until your flower bed is ready before you purchase a tree or plant the tree in the soil of your yard and transplant it to a flower bed later.
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Tips & Warnings
Because some landscapers may not know how to create designs that keep trees healthy, oversee your landscaping yourself and mention to your landscaper that you're only looking for designs that won't damage your trees.
Remember that every tree type, geographic location and soil type is different. Seek help from local horticulture and agricultural extensions to determine the problem in your flower beds.
Trees are often injured during home construction, but the homeowners don't know about it until years later. While there may be little you can do to help a dying tree that was damaged years before, you can consult an arborist to determine whether you have any recourse.
