Meaning of tree well | Babel Free

Definitions

1. A hole or depression in the snow around the base of a tree caused by the tree's canopy preventing the accumulation of snow.
2. A structure designed to protect the base and roots of a tree, typically used in an urban setting.

Examples

“First, tree wells are formed when the canopy of a tree prevents snow⟳ from accumulating at the base⟳. Tree wells are noted by a deep ring⟳ of much shallower snow⟳ around the trunk, with walls of snow⟳ just beyond the protection of the canopy.”

“Steer⟳ clear of the tree wells. They can be really deep and dangerous.”

“We skied back the way we had come⟳ for about thirty minutes when I saw⟳ her. Mary was hanging upside down by the tips of her skies from a tree well.”

“Townsend hare inhabit this area, particularly above the cabin, and a skier is likely to have⟳ one explode⟳ from a tree well and disappear⟳ into the whiteness as he skis by. Life is a constant bivouac for them -- they spend⟳ days huddled in tree wells during storms -- but I suspect⟳ they are as content and warm in their luxurious coats as we are in a cabin.”

“A tree well is a great solution to a problem that often arises during excavation of a building, driveway, or road site. When excavated soil is carelessly mounded around the base⟳ of a tree, the tree gradually suffocates. Removing this soil from around the trunk and dry-stacking a tree well to retain⟳ the soil at a safe distance can save⟳ a tree's life.”

“Flat surface tree wells create⟳ a cleaner architectural effect where trees appear⟳ to grow⟳ directly out of the pavement.”

“Excavate the soil to a depth of at least 1 metre (3 feet) and make⟳ sure that the soil in the tree well or within at least 2 metres (6 feet) of the tree is free of rocks and debris.”

CEFR level