black cherry project

[pinus_rigida]

There is a black cherry in a neglected corner of a neighbor's yard that I am taking on as a project. Roughly 40ft tall 12inch DBH. It has a multitude of problems. Borer activity, multiple leaders, encroachment from norway maples- to name a few. One issue that is bugging me is old concrete slabs in the root zone. I broke apart one piece that was against the stem, however there is still concrete embedded in the trunk and no root flare on that side (see photo). The remaining concrete had some soil over it and is cracked to the point where i'm sure a good amount of water is getting through. Should I remove the rest of the concrete or could this possibly stress the tree?

 

[Daniel]

if you can get the concrete away from the trunk doing little or no damage to the bark, I would go for it. if you can't, then break the concrete as near to the trunk as possible without damaging the tree and remove the remainder of the slab. The roots need air.. that is they need to breathe oxygen.. more pictures would be helpful... nice to see someone that cares

 

[pinus_rigida]

Another shot. I've already cleared it away from the trunk as much as possible. There is concrete still embedded in the trunk just below grade but to get any more out i would have to damage bark. It doesnt look like much. I'm more worried about changing the conditions around the roots now. Yes i agree that more oxygen will probably help the tree- that is if any roots exist under the concrete at all.

 

[Frax]

I would take away as much concrete as possible and improve the soil through generous amendments of organics, and possibly aeration if needed. Tree will grow roots, if they can wherever good conditions exist.

 

[The_Archdruid]

Haul the cement out with a tractor and rip half the bark off one side of the tree. That's what guys do around here. It must help, I've seen it done a lot.

 

[boreality]

They'll strip every tree on the property for no extra charge. The trick is to ask them not to.