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anything I can do to help my Maples weather a new sidewalk?
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Posted by hpadgette MD (My Page) on Fri, Sep 9, 05 at 15:41
| The county installed a sidewalk on our street which we were much in need of (we live in Montgomery County, MD). To get the neighbors' approval, they told us they would take measures to preserve the beautiful silver maples that line the streets. Well, they didn't really do what they said they were going to do and chopped into the roots (within 2 feet of the trunk) of many of these big (3 foot+ diameter trunk) and old (our house is 70+ years), but seemingly healthy, trees. Is there anything we can do to try to help them adjust to having their roots cut like this? Extra fertizlizer or water? Also, should I be worried about the new dirt packed alongside the sidewalk that also covers some of the old above-ground roots? Any advice appreciated. |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: anything I can do to help my Maples weather a new sidewalk?
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| You might want to have a certified arborist (tree expert) check these trees. Some trees don't seem to be bothered much by having one side of their root system cut but some are much more sensitive. One worry is the lack of support from that side of the tree in the event of high winds. As far as watering is concerned, a mature tree can drink several hundred gallons of water a day during the height of summer so it might be difficult to water them deeply enough and in great enough volume to be helpful. And never fertilize a plant that is already under stress unless a specialist checks it out and recommends something specific. In this case phosphate might help the tree renew it's root system but don't apply it without professional advice. Another source of great assistance is your local Extension Agent. Your county should have an agent that will be able to give you more specific advice geared to your locality and climate. The last problem you might be on the lookout for is damage to the new sidewalk from the roots. Maples are notorious for ruining sidewalks and foundations by breaking them up with their super strong root system that is often on or near the surface of the ground. If these trees survive and renew their root systems, the sidewalk will probably only last a few years. Good luck. Let us know the outcome of this if you can. I really hate to see these beautiful old trees damaged by careless disregard for their needs. But I know the sidewalk was needed too. Quite a balancing act! Sandy |
RE: anything I can do to help my Maples weather a new sidewalk?
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| Thanks so much for the advice-- I would like to do what I can to preserve these old beauties! Heather |
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