What to Do (and What Not to Do) With Visible Tree Roots in the Lawn
While most roots tend to grow (and stay) underground, sometimes tree roots can break through to the surface. While it’s not something you’ll necessarily notice in the woods (unless you’re walking down a trail and accidentally trip over some), seeing tree roots emerge from your lawn is a whole different story.
Here’s what to do, and just as importantly, what to avoid if tree roots are visible on the lawn.
Why are tree roots visible on the lawn?
They are officially known as “surface roots” and if they come out of the ground and spread across part of your lawn, not only are they a safety hazard (giving people the chance to trip over something else), they make it difficult to work. mow the grass. So what happens to these roots and why are they on the wrong side of the earth?
According to Diana Alfoot , a horticulture instructor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Institute of Agriculture, most large mature trees can develop shallow roots , but this is especially true for species such as poplar, willow, and silver maple.
Typically, most tree roots grow horizontally in the top 4-15 inches of soil, allowing them to remain protected underground, but close enough to receive oxygen permeating the soil surface . But when the soil becomes compacted, heavy, or no longer drains effectively, the roots gradually move closer to the surface.
“Each year, the roots of the tree get thicker, as does the trunk, and eventually they can come out from under the surface and become visible on the lawn,” writes Alfut . “Soil erosion above the root system is another cause of shallow roots.”
Do not damage tree roots
Avoid any activity that could damage the tree’s roots , including:
- Trying to dig them out
- Trimming, shredding or trimming them
- Use of a cultivator on them or adjacent territories
- Moving them with a lawn mower or tractor
How to protect tree roots
If you are determined to reclaim this area for your lawn, the key to making this possible is to protect the surface roots of the tree. One way to do this is to spread a shallow layer of topsoil around and over the exposed roots – just enough to cover them with about half an inch of soil.
However, be careful not to cover the shallow roots with too much soil, as this can suffocate the tree, damage it, or kill it. And keep in mind that you will probably have to do this again in the future, as the tree’s roots will get thicker every year and may come back to the surface.
You can also stop growing grass in this part of the yard and cover the area with mulch or wood chips instead. Another option is to create a clear border around the shallow roots using larger rocks or bricks and let the roots do their thing .