My landscapers put a stacked stone planter around two weeping cherry trees. They cut no roots and the original intent was to only have a little mulch and I would plant things like ferns and such in the existing soil.

Well, I came home and they filled the planter with some fill, topsoil, and mulch.

Tree is well-established (30+ years old). Planter is 8" tall at its highest and only covers about 4' radius underneath. I can still see some tree roots at the surface jutting out, so I don't think the planter is suffocating the whole root area.

To complicate matters, wife loves the rocks/planter, so they are likely to stay.

I'm planning on removing the soil from the trunk and lowering the level down a bit so not so much dirt is on top of the trunk flare -- do you think this will be enough?

Any other signs to look for? Any types of plants to look for/avoid under the weepers?

Thanks,

Anthony