Why I am against edging tree beds.

Reason#1 is root injury.

I view this treatment as very destructive.  Crushing and ripping woody roots.

The ugly treatment is than covered with mulch.  Similar to the wound dressing treatment except mulch is good when properly done.

Here is what you see after it is covered with mulch.

When will the torture end?

Reason #2 is the application of toxic chemicals, that from a tree biological standpoint, is not in the better interest of the tree or the tree owner.

 Here doses of 2,4-D and Dicamba in granular form with inert ingredients was applied.

I see a very beautiful thing - mulching - is turned into something ugly and unpleasant.

Here is obvious herbicide injury to this plant - Taxus Hew

Where does it end?  And the list goes on.

John A. Keslick, Jr. 
Tree Biologist

Below is a woody root injured previously during edging of beds.

Where will the above woody root store starch?  Remember, one of the unique features of woody roots, compared to woody stems, is that the woody root store much more starch, i.e., when there are parenchyma cells to store the starch in.