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About Jim Hyland
Expertise
I am an expert in Forestry, Forest Entomology, Forest Pest Control, and Forest Health. Extensive knowledge in Identification of insects and diseases of trees. Expert on Bark beetles and other insects that attack forests. Also a Registrated Forester with extensive knowledge in the management and care of forests.

Experience
34 years as State Pest Management Chief in a Southern state. Extensive knowledge in Forestry.

BS with major in Forest Management and Entomology
Registered Forester
Certified Pesticide Appicator

You are here: Experts > Homework Help > Trees > Trees > Fir tree in the NW

Trees - Fir tree in the NW

Expert: Jim Hyland - 11/4/2009

Question
I have a 30 foot fir tree that I have recently put some dirt around the base in an effort to re-landscape. I was then told by someone else after the fact that this will kill the tree in a couple of years as the tree cannot breathe. The dirt was made in a mound no more than a foot around the existing base of the tree. Does this in fact Kill the tree over time and what is the tolerance of a fir at the base?

Answer
Yes soil added around a tree trunk can damage the tree by compressing the soil and the air pockets are destroyed. It will first show up as branch dieback and it could over time kill the tree. I would remove the soil from the tree down to where the trunk starts to flare out.

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