[Arid_gardener] Re: citrus trees, exposed roots

[Olin Miller]

Covering exposed roots with soil or burying the roots will change the
soil level, change the drainage pattern, and change the air and water
penetration causing stress to the tree.  I would have suggested covering
with a porous organic mulch instead.  A ground cover like St. Augustine
would be ok provided the watering schedule and amount is regulated for
the needs of the citrus trees and not for the grass.

Olin Miller
Master Gardener Volunteer, Maricopa County AZ

"The opinions or statements expressed herein are my own and should
 not be taken as a position, opinion, or endorsement of
the University of Arizona."
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----- Original Message ----- From: "Lori Freeman" <sq22 at cfl.rr.com>
Sent: Thursday, April 27, 2006 5:10 PM
> ...  I have a navel tree and a honey bell orange tree that both had
> lots of their roots exposed.  I thought it would be a good idea to
> place new dirt over these exposed roots. Since doing this, I have
> noticed that the leaves on theses trees are not as dark as my other
> orange trees.  Their leaves are also curled and it appears they have
> little fruit to bear.  I also cut out many dead branches on the trees.
> Both of these trees also have light spots all over their trunks.  Do I
> need to remove the dirt I placed on them?  Do you have any other
> ideas? Both trees are about ten years old.  My husband thinks I have a
> problem with the St. augustine grass that grows around them. He thinks
> we should kill all of the grass to solve our problem.