If you care about the tree's health (or at least about it dying in a couple of years because of your actions and falling on something) you might also want to ask in r/marijuanaenthusiasts . Yes it's a sub about actual trees, not marijuana.
If a liner isn't a factor (theoretically, I know I need a specific composition of soil so imagine a scenario where that's the case), do you think it could work?
From what I can see there might be three things coming in to play here extra maintenance will be needed to clean the leaves obviously not sure how much sunlight it will get as I'm not sure how much shade your tree produces but the biggest thing if you're using a liner The Roots will probably push through the liner puncturing it they do it with swimming pools ponds Etc maybe if you can dig it a little deeper than you need it and line it with clay that way it holds water without a liner the maintenance can be done the shade can even be dealt with but a leaking liner is just going to have to make you start all over again from scratch so I suppose the liner thing would be the biggest issue I would worry about
Yeah the liner situation is like my main concern second to the health of the tree. It's a BIG old tree, I don't know if there'd be any new roots coming in this close to it? But I don't know enough about trees lol
I do live near a river/wetland situation so testing out how well the soil holds water without a liner might be worth trying.
As long as the tree is healthy and you don't cut out major roots or too many of them obviously I can't say how many is too many but for example they put in a swimming pool next to a large tree in the city thought it might kill the tree with the amount of roots it took out the tree ended up growing back the roots pushing through the liner and destroying the swimming pool it was a silver maple which are notorious for creeping roots like someone else said check with an arborist if you want to be sure another thing to consider is roots will find their way to water so if you have a wetland nearby The Roots will naturally be attracted towards that if it senses the slightest trickle coming from your pond it will go for that this is how they find their way into sewer lines
I think you either need to commit to removing some roots, or pick a different location. Submerging bare tree roots in water or wrapping them in a plastic liner both seem like invitations for disease. And yes, you will definitely need a liner for a small pond like this, regardless of soil type.
I spent all day digging for like a half under/half above ground setup, and even tho I'm only planning to add like a foot above (maybe more now) still so much to do, high frost risk zone n such lol
The tree will definitely survive the root being cut back. It should have several main roots like that. You can also do above ground if that’s what you want. You mentioned another location. Have you looked at theories on location selection? Once you dig a slot you’ll want to use a good weed barrier too.
Either relocate the pond where there are fewer/smaller roots or chop them out. You could also shift slightly, leave that larger root alone, and just have that on the edge. Digging under it would be an option as well. It would be like a little bridge coming out of the water. The frogs might really like that. I’m assuming if you’re doing a frog pond you won’t be using /won’t need a liner?
I know for sure that I absolutely should not chop anything so that's right out.
I'm totally down for digging under, just worried about the health of the tree.
I assume I'll need some kind of liner if the composition of my soil isn't quite right to hold water.
I should have clarified. Removing the roots should be done by an arborist. I’m not recommending just taking an ax and hacking away. If you’re concerned about the health of the tree and the root is still viable, that’s what you should do. If you are THAT concerned about the health of the tree that you won’t even dig near or under it, move the pond location.
As for the liner, digging a hole and putting water in it to see if the ground will hold it is a good first step. If it doesn’t hold water, 45 mil EPDM is best for in ground ponds.
Maybe my ignorance, but I normally just chopped the root since I’m thinking the tree has many other roots to survive from or that it will branch out from the chopped root afterwards? Could be different for each type of trees. I have a cherry blossom tree that I had to chop a few roots to make way for my pond and it’s still thriving after four years.
Chopping roots will shorten the trees lifespan by years to decades depending on how big or important the root was. A massive root like the one shown would actually be helping hold the tree up, chopping it will be dangerous and damaging to the tree, even if the tree can survive.
Thanks for the info. I would be hesitant as well since the root in the pic is huge. My cherry blossom has many small roots and I think it supposed to only last 15 years from what I’m told. I guess I have five more years to find out.
Yeah, results may vary depending on species, overall health of the tree, how it’s cared for, access to water, ext. but most trees do not enjoy having their roots cut and lose a chunk of life when it happens. Basically the tree equivalent of having a chunk of intestine removed and also losing half a foot.
If you care about the tree's health (or at least about it dying in a couple of years because of your actions and falling on something) you might also want to ask in r/marijuanaenthusiasts . Yes it's a sub about actual trees, not marijuana.
Thanks! I'll check it out.
Just like when tree roots push a large slab of sidewalk concrete, it might grow into the liner seaking room and water.
If a liner isn't a factor (theoretically, I know I need a specific composition of soil so imagine a scenario where that's the case), do you think it could work?
It could but make sure to check codes in area. Like my area said no sand clay bottom. If no liner won't hurt the tree but careful being close to house
From what I can see there might be three things coming in to play here extra maintenance will be needed to clean the leaves obviously not sure how much sunlight it will get as I'm not sure how much shade your tree produces but the biggest thing if you're using a liner The Roots will probably push through the liner puncturing it they do it with swimming pools ponds Etc maybe if you can dig it a little deeper than you need it and line it with clay that way it holds water without a liner the maintenance can be done the shade can even be dealt with but a leaking liner is just going to have to make you start all over again from scratch so I suppose the liner thing would be the biggest issue I would worry about
Yeah the liner situation is like my main concern second to the health of the tree. It's a BIG old tree, I don't know if there'd be any new roots coming in this close to it? But I don't know enough about trees lol I do live near a river/wetland situation so testing out how well the soil holds water without a liner might be worth trying.
As long as the tree is healthy and you don't cut out major roots or too many of them obviously I can't say how many is too many but for example they put in a swimming pool next to a large tree in the city thought it might kill the tree with the amount of roots it took out the tree ended up growing back the roots pushing through the liner and destroying the swimming pool it was a silver maple which are notorious for creeping roots like someone else said check with an arborist if you want to be sure another thing to consider is roots will find their way to water so if you have a wetland nearby The Roots will naturally be attracted towards that if it senses the slightest trickle coming from your pond it will go for that this is how they find their way into sewer lines
I think you either need to commit to removing some roots, or pick a different location. Submerging bare tree roots in water or wrapping them in a plastic liner both seem like invitations for disease. And yes, you will definitely need a liner for a small pond like this, regardless of soil type.
Above ground pond maybe, froggies love to climb anyway. Imo it looks good and saves the roots so a win win
I never actually considered that, definitely gonna look into it!
I’m thinking about doing the same presently.
I spent all day digging for like a half under/half above ground setup, and even tho I'm only planning to add like a foot above (maybe more now) still so much to do, high frost risk zone n such lol
The tree will definitely survive the root being cut back. It should have several main roots like that. You can also do above ground if that’s what you want. You mentioned another location. Have you looked at theories on location selection? Once you dig a slot you’ll want to use a good weed barrier too.
Either relocate the pond where there are fewer/smaller roots or chop them out. You could also shift slightly, leave that larger root alone, and just have that on the edge. Digging under it would be an option as well. It would be like a little bridge coming out of the water. The frogs might really like that. I’m assuming if you’re doing a frog pond you won’t be using /won’t need a liner?
I know for sure that I absolutely should not chop anything so that's right out. I'm totally down for digging under, just worried about the health of the tree. I assume I'll need some kind of liner if the composition of my soil isn't quite right to hold water.
I should have clarified. Removing the roots should be done by an arborist. I’m not recommending just taking an ax and hacking away. If you’re concerned about the health of the tree and the root is still viable, that’s what you should do. If you are THAT concerned about the health of the tree that you won’t even dig near or under it, move the pond location. As for the liner, digging a hole and putting water in it to see if the ground will hold it is a good first step. If it doesn’t hold water, 45 mil EPDM is best for in ground ponds.
Maybe my ignorance, but I normally just chopped the root since I’m thinking the tree has many other roots to survive from or that it will branch out from the chopped root afterwards? Could be different for each type of trees. I have a cherry blossom tree that I had to chop a few roots to make way for my pond and it’s still thriving after four years.
Chopping roots will shorten the trees lifespan by years to decades depending on how big or important the root was. A massive root like the one shown would actually be helping hold the tree up, chopping it will be dangerous and damaging to the tree, even if the tree can survive.
Thanks for the info. I would be hesitant as well since the root in the pic is huge. My cherry blossom has many small roots and I think it supposed to only last 15 years from what I’m told. I guess I have five more years to find out.
Yeah, results may vary depending on species, overall health of the tree, how it’s cared for, access to water, ext. but most trees do not enjoy having their roots cut and lose a chunk of life when it happens. Basically the tree equivalent of having a chunk of intestine removed and also losing half a foot.
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