Go look at a large tree. It will be at the base where the tree meets the soil.
It flares out at the base. Smaller trees don't have an apparent flare, but they
still do have one. If mulch is placed on top of it, rot can cause problems to
the tree base.

V


On Mon, 24 Nov 2003 23:52:00 -0600, Nick opined:

On Mon, 24 Nov 2003 06:49:26 -0500, John Bachman
wrote:
Will someone please tell me define the "flare" of a tree?

Thank you

Nick
On Sat, 22 Nov 2003 18:09:18 GMT, "David Emerling"
wrote:

established tree, other than the esthetic value, is that grass does
not grow right up to the trunk therefore less lawnmower damage. Thin
barked trees can suffer significant damage to the cambrium layer which
is just behind the bark.

However, trunk mulch should not be too deep and should not cover the
flare. That can encourage girdling roots which can eventually
strangle the tree.

John