Question: In grading around our new house, it will be necessary to cover the roots of a big tree with 2 feet of soil. Will this kill the tree?
Answer: Whether this would be safe depends on the tree involved. Some tap rooted trees like walnuts might tolerate this very well, but shallow-rooted species like maples won’t. If the tree is valuable, get the advice of a tree specialist. In my own yard I have solved this problem by placing a 12-inch layer of coarse gravel over the area to be covered and then making a well around the tree, 12 inches larger than its diameter. Air will be able to enter the gravel layer and keep the tree roots alive until the tree is able to establishnew feeder roots in the fill.
