Bringing dirt in around a tree: how to do it and not kill the tree (if possible)?

This happened 8-10 years ago and the tree is fine. Just trying to figure of how to fill the hole. May build a deck over it.

quote:

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40'-50' in diameter

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Diameter or circumference?

Because a tree with 40’-50’ diameter would be the largest tree in history of trees.

Plant some ground cover around it such as Mexican daisies or vinca. It will eventually fill itself in while looking nice.

it doesn't hold water, the dirt that was added turtle-backs around the tree and flows outward so it actually stays dry under the tree even after the strongest showers. i want to have something up to the trunk so we can use the tree for shade, a swing, etc...

My apologies, sir.

this is what i was told about adding dirt around a small young tree.

add no more the 1 1/2 - 2" of dirt at a time and allow at least a month before adding another 2" layer.

i was told the reason is you need to allow time for the roots to grow up shallow to the surface, if you bury the roots too deep the tend to have trouble getting rain water to the roots and it hurts the tree.

for a well established fully grown tree like yours, i would think its ok to simply fill in the hole level to the surrounding ground with no ill effects.

the rule of thumb is the root mass is equal to the umbrella branches you see above ground so anything you do around the base of that tree, short of damaging the bark layer, will have no affect on the roots spread out throughout the whole yard, they are the life blood of that tree being healthy.

for a tree of that age and size i wouldnt risk making a mistake and i suggest you take pictures and send them to someone at the LSU agricultural center and seek advice from the brainiacs there about this

Call an arborist or you could build a wall around it and create a tree well.

A coon under a live oak? Maybe a Pecan.

That comment came from somewhere out in right field...

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