In my new home in the Northern Vancouver Island area I have six mature Sitka spruce along the property line. Since they have numerous large shallow roots, some creating bumps above ground level, it is very difficult to mow around them. I want to get rid of much of my lawn anyway so will be creating large garden beds. Can anyone give me advice as to how I can level out this area for a garden bed without damaging the trees' root systems? That is, how deep can I cover the roots without causing problems? I was considering sheet composting (lasagna gardening) as I have access to plenty of organic materials. Thanks, Tula in Sointula
Just eliminate the grass and put down wood chips. Planting will be most successful in portions not right near the tree trunks, where the grass did best. Do not bury tree roots with soil or cut through them. It may be possible to lay down a minimal layer of highly aerated planting mix and use that to get new plantings started. Impossible to make specific recommendations without viewing the site in person.
Thanks, Ron. I thought that I couldn't bury the exposed roots--the wood chip idea is good as I have access to a lot from local mills. Is salal likely to do well near the trees--they are on the north and east side of my property so the area gets quite a bit of sun? Tula
Looking at nearby native (and planted) vegetation under other spruces could be quite instructive, bearing in mind that soils and exposures of those sites need to be similar to yours for what has occurred there to be applicable to your situation.
Thanks again, Ron. There is plenty of native vegetation to study on my little island. I'm moving there full time in July--I'll probably wait until the fall before I make my decision for this area. Tula
