[CANUFNET] exposed pounded root zones

[jtree at e-aurora.ca]

We here in Aurora On. experienced exactly the same problem in one of our
parks in close proximity to a public school  , Our simple solution was
to apply a generous  covering of well composted wood chip mulch over the
exposed roots , once the mulch consolidates it stays put and works well
to provide a supple cushioning effect over the roots as well as a host
of other positive side effects  , the only thing we found is that it
requires topping up on occasion , The trees , all Sugar maple ,have
never looked better.  
Hope this helps
Jim Tree
Manager of Parks 
-----Original Message-----
From: canufnet-bounces at list.web.net
[mailto:canufnet-bounces at list.web.net] On Behalf Of Rhea Dawn Mahar
Sent: Wednesday, October 07, 2009 2:48 PM
To: canufnet at list.web.net
Subject: [CANUFNET] exposed pounded root zones

Dear Canufnet:

I am seeking solutions to conserving mature trees that are in high foot
traffic zones where the roots are becoming exposed above ground.  

Several years ago I built "cribs" out of logs over roots of white spruce
trees near a playground where the children were loving the trees to
death. They were tripping over the exposed roots that evolved from pairs
of pounding little feet over the years. I then filled the cribs with
soil and planted understory plants in them. That was seven years ago and
a recent visit found the trees were very much alive and healthy and the
students walked between these large cribs and also benefited from the
seating created.

I am up against a similar situation and would like to implement the same
solution, yet the school principal is being told by some source and is
adamant that there is nothing you can do about the exposed roots and
that my suggestion would kill the trees by rotting the roots.

Could one install cribs--for seating and to contain a mulch? Or could
one use my previous technique of building cribs to fill with soil and
understory plant? I am seeking voices of experience with
credentials--canufnet!--for advice.

Regards,
Rhea Dawn Mahar

_______________________

Rhea Dawn Mahar
School Ground Greening Consultant
Evergreen
tel:  (902) 424-3107
fax:  (902) 424-0732
Email:  maharrd at gov.ns.ca

PO Box 481 CRO
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Canada B3J 2R7

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