I would like to expose the roots on two giant Douglas Firs on my property. The trees have ground covering over them now but would like to put small rock down and feature the root system. How much can I expose without causing damage to the tree? The roots already have busted up the cement walkway to the house, so I will remove all of that and put in a small bridge. Thanks for the help. Joe
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/
My house had a 50ft tall Douglas Fir that fell in a recent storm and I want to use the now available sun to make a vegetable garden. I was wondering if I would have to put new soil in the place where the fir was, or is it OK to still grow a garden there.
Thanks!
Volcano2014
Thanks! i will definitely add some nutrients and compost. just making sure it wouldn't make my cucumbers poisoned
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/
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?
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?
I live in Portland, Oregon and have many Douglas Fir trees on my property. I have a Douglas Fir that is flowing sap year round. Also, on other Douglas Firs, the bark is opening up so that you see the trunk inside. Is this something that I should worry about?
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
I normally buy a tree that has a large girth, but this year I opted to buy one that was slightly smaller than what I usually buy. I noticed that this year's tree stayed fresh and didn't drop its needles nearly as much as all of my previous trees (all Douglas fir). Is it true that since the tree is smaller, the water better reaches the tips/extremities of the tree more readily than a larger tree, therefore it stays fresher/more moist? Thanks for your help.
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.
My need is to establish more even ground levels on SLOPED areas along one-side-only of several Douglas-fir trees which are along the property line where my neighbor and I want (and need) to install a wood fence.
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.
I have a Douglas fir that needs trimming. How and when do I trim it back and is there a way to stop it’s upward growth? It currently has its spring buds.
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