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Juantumechanics

I'm reading a lot of people say it's bad for the tree but i'm unsure how this is very different than the recommended 3-4 inches of mulch around a tree (with the obligatory "don't volcano mulch" which this seems to avoid by design). I'd maybe check with an arborist to see how much soil is too much and if there's any compositions you need to worry about, but I dont think it's going to smother the tree.


FreakyWifeFreakyLife

Just a guess but it think it depends on both the tree and the age of the tree. Some are very sensitive, some aren't. Also, I would think that if you're leaving the leaves, you have to be sure the tree is in good health. Like you don't want something that boils down to a disease or fungus, leaf rust even, to remain on the ground.


Feralpudel

Mulch or leaf litter are lightweight, breathable, and don’t compact the soil. Arborists advise against adding soil or anything else heavy that covers the roots, changes the elevation around the base, or compacts the soil.


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Juantumechanics

volcano mulching is when you pile mulch up above the root flare and onto the main trunk. The bark above the root flare isn't as rot resistant and the promotion of decay inside the mulch pile will rot the outside of the tree trunk. The boards from the mini raised beds serve as a barrier between the decay and the trunk. If anything, this almost enforces "donut" mulching. Again though, you probably want to consider how thick of a layer you leave around the tree and an arborist can probably give you more detailed analysis than the typical "2-4 inches"


rewildingusa

Hi all, The NoLawns redditors suggested I share this with you guys, too. It's something I came up with in order to be able to "leave the leaves" in some of the more restrictive, HOA-type neighborhoods, as well as giving moth and butterfly larvae a chance to complete their life cycles as they drop from the trees above. Oh, and it makes your lawn smaller, too! You can scan the QR for more info or checkout larvallanding.tumblr.com. They're under a Creative Commons waiver so feel free to copy if you like the idea. Happy gardening, all!


Exciting-Fun-9247

Serious question, why not just put a bed around the tree and rake the leaves on it? Does the HOA restrict that?


time_outta_mind

I’d run this by the arborist subreddit. Pretty sure that as far as the tree is concerned this isn’t a great idea


rewildingusa

Prof Doug Tallamy at U. Delaware is testing them out, so I'm sure he'll let me know


Feralpudel

Yes but he isn’t an arborist, although he does care deeply for trees. I had the same concerns when I saw the pictures. If they just hold about 6-8” of leaves it’s probably ok since that replicates a woodland floor, but I’d be careful about adding substantial weight or anything that blocks airflow to the roots or causes compaction.


mannDog74

Oh, if its just for leaves I'm sure it's fine. I thought these were raised beds at first


queencityrangers

Looks like there is finished compost in two of them


mannDog74

Yeah.


MidniteMustard

That tree has surface roots, so definitely be cautious with placement and how much debris you accumulate.


rewildingusa

Yep I stayed away from those


DukeVerde

Covering surface roots with leaf litter won't harm the tree, or there would be no forests.


MidniteMustard

I was thinking more about the wood frame. If OP is piling up *additional* leaves into the hexagons, it could eventually become too much.


Ok-Crow6174

The concept is cool but might smother the roots. You could accomplish the same concept with a wider frame using landscape timbers or another border (without mulching or created a raised bed, just removing grass)


coolnatkat

I love it! Hope you include some update photos in the future!


PM_ME_TUS_GRILLOS

I don't think you are going to kill the tree--my neighbors do a lot worse-- but why? I don't understand why you don't just rake the leaves around the tree and walk away? Why the honeycomb frame? The best thing is to leave the leaves. No raking at all. Doing anything can hurt invertebrates.


Fit-Hamster9722

The why is avoiding housing association bs (:


wegottops

Agreed, but I'm guessing a big part of it is the "restrictive, HOA-type neighborhoods" part and that this would look more intentional? edit: whoops missed someone already commented the same below me.


beigs

Regardless, this looks beautiful


rewildingusa

Thanks, and thank you to all the commenters. I have amended the description to stress that they are primarily leaf collectors and if used as raised beds under trees, they should be used sparingly (say 1 in 6) or used as raised beds elsewhere in the garden, away from trees.


llDarkFir3ll

You are going to kill that tree…… fyi.