How to Build Berms for Taller Trees

Berms provide architectural interest and dimension to your home landscape. They also can help direct the flow of water and can provide a well-drained planting space for plants sensitive to excess moisture. Berming is the practice of mounding soil to create a hill for various purposes. Creating a berm around existing trees means making a moat for the conduction of water into the drip zone. It is a project that can help protect and hydrate surface feeder roots in areas that receive little water. Build berms around existing trees that are made of organic mulch to enhance water penetration.

Rake
Mulch
Shovel
Compost
Water

Instructions

- 1
  Remove all grass, weeds and obstructions to a distance outside the tree's drip zone or the edge of the canopy. This will allow for adequate flow of water into the soil to access the roots.
- 2
  Spread a thin layer of mulch that just covers the root zone. Use 3 inches or less spread out to the drip zone.
- 3
  Use a shovel to dig around the edge of the drip line in a circle. Make a trench that is 3 to 4 inches deep all the way around the tree.
- 4
  Fill the trench with compost to the soil level to enhance permeability. Then top with a layer 8 inches tall by 8 inches wide of mulch. This will direct water into the tree's drip zone.
- 5
  Flood the inside area of the berm with water in June and August during the dry season to supplement the tree's moisture needs. The water will be contained inside the wall or berm of mulch and will be able to seep into the soil before it runs off.

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