I had to remove a large tree from my back yard. When the cut limbs and trunk fell to the ground, it has left the lawn full of dents. It makes walking sort of hazardous.

What should I do to even out the lawn?
Thank you!

You can add some soil or sand etc to the dents until it's even with the rest of the ground. If they are small dents and you have agressive grass, the grass will eventually spread over your added soil

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September 24, 2004 : Preparing for the second deadly hurricane to hit this area this month! I can't take much more of this.

Thank you for your response.
I did add sand alone to level out some low spots on my front lawn. I have St. Augustine. It wasn't a good idea and I ended up with a fungus in that area.

What about a mix of humus and landscape mix, about 1/2 and 1/2?

I like trees and herbs. The tree in question was an Arizona ash some 50 years old, 2 1/2 feet diameter.

Regards.

First of all get the name of the arborist and never use him again. Limbs and trunk parts are supposed to be lowered to the ground by ropes to prevent denting the lawn. I just had two big trees removed, one hanging way over my garage and one over a wrought iron fence - no dents and really no limbs hitting the ground or roof.

Secondly, I think if you leave the dents alone they will refill naturally. If you really don't want to wait, try using a core aerator in the area. Go over the dented area a lot and sweep the plugs into the low spots with a leaf rake or push broom.

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David Hall
Moderator
Dirt Doctor Lawns Forum

Thank you David, for your response and suggestions.

I will be triming some oak trees on my parkway in February. The limbs are too low on the street side. Could you please make a list of questions I need to ask of an arborist to ensure I get someone who is Knowledgable and conscientious?
Kindest regards.

I'd flip over to the Trees forum and ask directly.

"I live in Dallas. Who is a good arborist to trim my low hanging live oak trees?"

Good questions, if it comes to that, are

Q1. Is there ever a reason to "top" a tree?
A1. Correct answer is "no." The reason you never top a tree is that it forever looks ugly afterward. The blunt ends of the tree will be come sites for a cluster of new limbs to fan out from. Another term for topping is 'dehorning,' because the tree looks like you cut the horns off a cow.

Q2. What is your process for deciding what to cut out of a tree?
A2. First you cut out the dead wood followed by diseased wood. In our area there is usually ball moss on the lower limbs to be removed. Then you cut out the cross over limbs - these are limbs that point out of the west side of the tree but cross over and grow to the east, for example. Then you look at the shape of the tree and determine the best direction to go. With an oak you have to decide whether you want to thin it or not to let more sunlight in. Although most peole are talked into it, YOU DO NOT HAVE TO THIN IT. Oaks grew for millions of years just fine without being thinned. If you don't have any sun loving grass or plants under the tree, leave the canopy alone.

Q3. What is the root flare?
A3. The root flare is the place at the bottom of the tree where the roots start to spread out. The root flare should always be exposed to the air on every tree. Otherwise a fungus can grow on the bark that will sicken or kill the tree.

Beyond that, the Trees forum is a better place to go for answers.

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David Hall
Moderator
Dirt Doctor Lawns Forum