ask joe: June 2009 Archives

Q: We have an established maple tree in our backyard whose roots are showing on the surface. I would love to plant under the tree (shrubs, perennials, etc.)and wonder what the best way to do this without damaging the tree would be. If we add topsoil, will the roots just come to the surface again and would it weaken the tree? I saw a raised bed where there was a ring of stone wall about a foot from the trunk of the tree,(keeping the dirt from touching the trunk),with another stone wall on the outside forming the raised bed- sort of like a donut around the trunk. But this was done around a small ornamental tree. Thank you for your time and any suggestions.
Connie

Q: We have just discovered some beautiful Dogwood trees on our property. We would like to transplant them. We live in Maine, any suggestions for a successful relocation of the trees?
Kristin