Bajatripper
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Mango Root Question
I've been doing some remodeling in my back yard because of a large mango root that lifted some of my sidewalks. I've ripped up the side walk and the
planter around the mango. I've reached down to the root and am putting down the foundation for a new planter around the mango tree.
My question: the new planter foundation will cross the root, which is real big. What do I do to postpone the day that the work I'm doing now needs to
be repeated? Given the size of the root, chopping it out wouldn't seem like a good idea.
My current plan--subject to revision pending a better idea--is to place some wadded up newspaper around the root, cover this with a layer of
cardboard, enough to leave about a two or three inch space around the root, and then proceed with the cementation of the base. The idea, obviously, is
to give it some grow room. Does someone who knows know if this is a good idea, or will the root, suddenly unrestrained by the surrounding pressures of
earth-and-sidewalk, take off on a "Jack-and-the-beanstock" growth pattern?
I'd appreciate any ideas--based on some knowledge, at least--anyone would care to contribute. But I am operating on a time constrain, I'll probably be
pouring that section in three days, at the latest.
Thanks
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David K
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Root destroyer... copper sulfate... to stop the root from growing... there are landscape and tree experts who know better than I: Mexitron, Jack
Swords, McFez, etc.
Concrete will crack, you know this, yes?
[Edited on 4-1-2011 by David K]
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Cypress
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Put some pea gravel and paving stones in the area that's affected by the root.
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CDB
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Cypress has the right idea, but if you really want it to be all concrete, put a full depth expansion joint on both sides of the root. That way it will
minimize the amount you have to replace when the root lifts it again. Just don't make that section to small. Should be least three feet between
expansion joints.
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Jack Swords
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Copper sulfate (bluestone) would probably kill the tree (solve your problem). Usually you can cut a root off and other roots will takeover. Dig
around a bit and see if the mango has other roots that are not a problem. Hard to imagine that one root is the sole producer for a tree. On a drip
system, roots will seek out the dripper, but a well established tree would have a larger root system. Water well the other root zone of the tree if
you decide to cut the root. Gravel, as mentioned, is an alternative.
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Mexitron
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All good answers---I occasionally have to put in a wall or patio where a large root exists and that possibly could harm the tree by removing it. If
you do go the route of cutting the root, prune the top of the tree some to compensate for the loss. However, usually I do what you are thinking and
create a bridge over the root with space for it to grow---should be fine for quite a while. Even better is to raise the elevation of the entire
planter, if possible. Also, to allow future growth all around the tree you can create your whole footing using bridges and piers, thus putting the
weight of the wall on the deep piers.
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Bajatripper
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Thanks a lot, guys. You are allowing me to get a day ahead of schedule with these ideas as I now feel comfortable proceeding. I appreciate all of your
thoughts.
Steve
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Cypress
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Wish I had a big old mango tree growing in my yard.
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