Some homeowners like the look of rocks around their trees, but is this a good idea? Experts offering tree services in Valrico, FL, are here with advice on protecting sensitive landscaping features.
Learn more below about why rocks can cause health problems for your trees.
How Using Rocks in Landscaping Can Damage Trees
Although rocks in landscaping can successfully cover bare spots on the ground and prevent weeds from growing, they’re simply not safe to use around trees. Rocks with sharp edges can nick the bark or any exposed roots, creating wounds that allow diseases and insects to enter.
Since rocks are heavy, all that excess weight compacts the soil, leading to root suffocation. Additionally, dark-colored rocks may absorb more sunlight. This heat retention reduces moisture in the soil, and the higher-than-average temperatures can affect root health.
Will rocks around a tree kill it? Perhaps not immediately, but they will create a poor environment for the tree, which may eventually lead to its demise.
Alternative Landscaping Materials To Use Around Trees
To protect your trees, opt for materials other than rocks. Even if you use rocks in other areas of your landscaping layout, consider adding different materials within several feet of a tree to protect it from the long-term damage rocks can cause.
Mulch Helps With Moisture Retention
As noted above, rocks heated by the sun increase the ground temperature, causing moisture to evaporate. To avoid this problem, consider using mulch around the tree. Mulch maintains a normal soil temperature while inhibiting weed growth, making it an ideal material to place around trees.
Like anything, however, you can have too much of a good thing. Mulch “volcanoes” are a common homeowner mistake that often traps moisture, leading to decay and disease. Remember to leave a gap of about six inches away from the trunk, creating a ring of mulch that allows the roots to breathe.
Landscape Fabric Stops Weeds
Landscape fabric, when applied properly, is effective at blocking weeds while allowing water to reach the soil. Improper drainage can be a problem when using rocks alone around the trees.
If you want to use rocks to maintain continuity with your nearby landscaped areas, one option is to place landscape fabric down first. You can then place a shallow layer of rocks over the fabric. Using fabric underneath should prevent some of the problems that landscape rocks can cause for trees.
The Arborists at Central Florida Tree Care Will Protect Your Tree’s Roots
When you have concerns about protecting your tree and its roots while adding landscaping materials, Central Florida Tree Care can help. Will rocks around a tree kill it? If not added properly, they can cause damage and soil compaction that negatively affects the tree’s health.
Request a free estimate from our team if you see signs of a dying tree. Call us today at (863) 670-7375. We’ll recommend the best materials to use across the ground near your trees.
