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Top Questions About Douglas Fir Trees

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Questions About Douglas Fir Trees

  • Answered by
    Heather on
    January 25, 2015
    Certified Expert
    A.

    I would not risk exposing too much. Mainly because fir trees tend to have very shallow root systems. While exposing too much root can harm the plant, I think in this situation the bigger risk would be that you could be making the trees unstable. Without a sturdy root system, a good storm could cause the trees to fall. Fir trees are already pretty notorious for causing damage to property without their root systems being tampered with, and you would be pushing your luck to do so.

    If you are still dedicated to this idea though, I would recommend that you consult a local arborist who would be able to tell you after examination if it is safe to remove soil and how much you can safely remove. Your local extension office should be able to give you the name of a local arborist. You can find your closest extension office with this tool:
    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/extension-search/

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  • Answered by
    Volcano2014 on
    February 17, 2015
    A.

    Thanks! i will definitely add some nutrients and compost. just making sure it wouldn't make my cucumbers poisoned

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  • Answered by
    theficuswrangler on
    February 16, 2015
    A.

    You can use the space for a garden. It would be a good idea to get a soil test first, to check on pH and nutrients, because the big tree may have used a lot in the area. Also plan on using plenty of compost and other organic amendments. You can get a soil test, and lots of good advice, from your local extension service. Use this link to find the nearest office: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/extension-search/

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  • Answered by
    Downtoearthdigs on
    July 4, 2015
    A.

    I have had 2 Douglas Fir evergreen trees die on me over 2 years, whatever is killing them it only hits one at a time. They are in an open area of my yard, but next to a tree line. I live in NE PA. They turn brown slowly until they are completely dead. We did a mite test with paper and did not see any mites, what could be killing these trees?

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  • Answered by
    Downtoearthdigs on
    July 27, 2015
    A.

    Though sap oozing from a tree can be normal it also can indicate a more serious issue.
    Here are a few links for you.
    You may want to consult an arborist t determine the health of the trees.

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/wetwood-bleeding-trees.htm
    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/what-is-tree-sap.htm

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  • Answered by
    Downtoearthdigs on
    January 15, 2019
    A.

    This is mostly correct, but also has a lot to do with how much more respiration occurs in a larger tree. The exhale of all of its oxygen happens more when the tree is more mature, and this is the reason.

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  • Answered by
    MichiganDot on
    February 9, 2020
    A.

    The advice given by arborists is not to put more than 2 inches of soil or mulch over tree roots. Roots require oxygen (leaves utilize CO2); covering half of a tree's roots with more than that may lead to problems.

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  • Answered by
    BushDoctor on
    May 6, 2020
    Certified Expert
    A.

    It isn't a good idea to do so. They can fall victim to disease, and their appearance is permanently altered (usually never for the good of the tree). It can also lead to an unstable tree prone to falling apart and cracking.

    Unfortunately, these are very large trees and should be placed in a spot that will allow for this. You may end up needing to remove the tree.

    Here are some articles that will help:

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/fir/douglas-fir-tree-care.htm

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/design/professional/when-to-call-tree-cutting-professionals.htm

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