We have about 7 (I think) in the backyard. All 50-80 feet, likely 70 years old like the house. The area they are in is a bit of a low spot behind the house and before rising over a gradual hump and out into sloped back yard.
https://ibb.co/cWOh5k
That spot to left is actually all dirt now. It's where water pools. Even more pools where you can't see to the right of picture. The soil is clay so it sits for a day or two after a good rain before trees soak it up or it evaporates.
The main spots betweens in this picture are grass but close to base of tree is just weeds and other trees out of picture really only have weeds growing within very exposed roots.
I tried string trimming carefully. It was a pain in the ass and still messed up once and caught an exposed root and took off about 2" x 2" piece of bark. I'm upset about that.
I want these trees to be strong and healthy and stay for a long time. We just purchased this home and the trees are a major reason we fell in love with it.
What should I do? Lay mulch? If so what type and must I pull the weeds and grass by hand first?
What about leaving the roots bare with just dirt in the 5 foot radius around the tree? I don't know if that's going to be too difficult to maintain though.
Any type of ground cover that goes with moderate shade (trees aren't that dense for maples) and lots of water? Wouldn't mind increasing the moss growth. That stuff doesn't grow high, looks good and is walkable.
Any and all help appreciated. Thanks!!
https://ibb.co/cWOh5k
That spot to left is actually all dirt now. It's where water pools. Even more pools where you can't see to the right of picture. The soil is clay so it sits for a day or two after a good rain before trees soak it up or it evaporates.
The main spots betweens in this picture are grass but close to base of tree is just weeds and other trees out of picture really only have weeds growing within very exposed roots.
I tried string trimming carefully. It was a pain in the ass and still messed up once and caught an exposed root and took off about 2" x 2" piece of bark. I'm upset about that.
I want these trees to be strong and healthy and stay for a long time. We just purchased this home and the trees are a major reason we fell in love with it.
What should I do? Lay mulch? If so what type and must I pull the weeds and grass by hand first?
What about leaving the roots bare with just dirt in the 5 foot radius around the tree? I don't know if that's going to be too difficult to maintain though.
Any type of ground cover that goes with moderate shade (trees aren't that dense for maples) and lots of water? Wouldn't mind increasing the moss growth. That stuff doesn't grow high, looks good and is walkable.
Any and all help appreciated. Thanks!!
