Expert: Jim Hyland - 9/9/2009

Question
Can a Longleaf pine trees root system be damaged by discing two to three inches three feet from trees?

Answer
Two or 3 inches deep I would think you will be ok BUT if you go deeper especially close to the tree trunk you stand an excellent chance of damaging the roots. If you use a disk on a tractor I doubt that you will be only 2-3 inches deep. I would not recommend that you "disk" near trees.