Arborist to the Rescue

It's the retaining wall

Our arborist came to assess the health of our trees, and give an estimate for pruning some of the big trees. This is something we do every two or three years to keep the trees in scale with the property, and ensure safety.

He also gave a diagnosis for the death of the three maple trees - last year’s broken sprinkler and the retaining wall conspired to flood the roots and drown the trees. Roots need oxygen in the soil in order for the tree's hydraulics to work. The water and oxygen exchange draw water up the trunk and out through the leaves. With flooded roots, the tree suffocates.

The soil may have also become compacted. Soil compaction can be a problem with clay soil. The solution to this is aeration to increase pore space in the soil, enabling a better exchange of water and oxygen. The process involves using an aerator to dig holes in the ground every 18 inches, and fill the holes with compost.

Once we remove the trees , we'll be  planting new maple trees, because we miss their beauty, elegance, and grace.