Tree base

In horticulture, a tree base is soil around the lower end of a tree trunk. This area is characterised by roots lying particularly high in the soil. Other plants often do not thrive here because the tree roots deprive them of moisture and nutrients and the tree crown strongly shades this area. For example, grass grows sparsely and low around fruit tree trunks in an orchard meadow. The roots of some trees, for example, the walnut tree, secrete growth-inhibiting substances, so that hardly any other plants thrive in their vicinity.

The maintenance of the tree base is one of the horticultural measures. It is not hoed or dug up to leave the roots undisturbed. Mulch can ensure adequate soil moisture and fertilise the tree. In some cottage gardens, daffodils are planted on the tree slice. Because of their numbing ingredients, daffodil bulbs are not eaten by voles. It is therefore hoped that the fruit tree roots will also be spared by the rodents.

In the inner city, the tree base often has to be protected mechanically. To prevent parked vehicles from compacting the soil around the tree base or damaging the trunk with their bumper, stakes, metal brackets or cover plates are installed. In the pedestrian zone, cover plates can allow water and air to pass through and facilitate street cleaning. For aeration and irrigation purposes, the size of the unpaved tree base in the street should not be less than 5 m². Since roots grow in all directions from the tree trunk, the outline should approximate a circle. Reinforced concrete root bridges allow the area near the tree to be used for traffic without compressing or damaging the root space. Additional irrigation systems or openings in the root bridge allow the tree to be watered.

Source: „Baumscheibe“. In: Wikipedia – Die freie Enzyklopädie. Bearbeitungsstand: 21. Juni 2021, 08:06 UTC.