Tree bases covered in sand.

[signalnorth]

I’m here as an outsider looking for some advice! At the back of out garden is a small copse of trees (I would say measuring about 20 yards by 20)

It is full of very mature trees, Sycamore and others (sorry not well up on these things!)

Today I noticed that the whole ground area had been covered in approx. 6 inches of sand (obviously on the direction of the landowner , who, incidentally, we suspect is planning to sell the land to the local house builder who has already built right up to the rear of this area)

Basically, my question is, is this layer of sand harmful to these trees in the short term or long?

 

Many thanks in anticipation

 

Len

[Chris at eden]

Hi Len

 

It depends on the type of sand, sharp sand should be fine but builders sand has a high sodium content which can be damaging to the trees - i.e. the sodium ion is toxic to trees. Also, raising soil levels over trees by 6 inches is probably a bad idea irrespective of the type of sand as it can limit gaseous diffusion between the soil and atmosphere and cause compaction further limiting gaseous diffusion.

 

Hope this helps