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A Country Living report featuring advice from certified arborists says exposed tree roots are often a normal feature of mature trees and do not always need treatment. For a tidier, protected area, experts recommend a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch or, in some cases, no more than 2 inches of suitable soil; they warn against cutting roots or burying them deeply.
A Country Living report featuring certified arborists advises homeowners not to cut exposed tree roots, which are common around mature trees and can be damaged by lawn equipment. The experts recommend leaving roots alone where practical, or covering them with 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch rather than piling on soil or trying to grow grass over them.
Surface roots can create mowing and tripping hazards, but their presence does not necessarily mean a tree is unhealthy. Barbara Fair, a certified arborist and North Carolina State University extension specialist, told Country Living that roots grow where they can most readily access oxygen, water and nutrients. Many roots spread laterally near the surface rather than growing deep underground.
The report’s experts warn against cutting exposed roots. Mary Carol Sheffield, a certified arborist and University of Georgia extension agent, said removing roots can affect a tree’s long-term health and contribute to decline. Repeatedly running a mower over roots can also cause injuries that leave the tree more susceptible to pests and disease.
For coverage, the report recommends spreading organic mulch, such as wood chips or pine straw, 2 to 3 inches deep over the roots, extending toward the tree’s drip line. Keep mulch a few inches back from the trunk so the root flare—the point where roots meet the trunk—remains visible. A thin top-dressing of sandy, loamy soil is another option, but Fair cautions that it should be no more than 2 inches and may need to be renewed as roots grow.
Protecting Roots Without Harming Trees
The advice matters because a quick fix for an uneven lawn can create a longer-term problem for the tree. Cutting roots or covering them with a deep layer of soil may damage the tree, while repeated contact with mower blades can injure exposed surfaces. A tree’s stability and health may also be at stake when roots are close to paving or other structures.
Homeowners do not have to make the area look like lawn. The report says grass competes with tree roots for water and nutrients, so a perfect turf cover under a large tree may not be realistic. Mulch offers a way to protect roots and tidy the area without concealing the trunk’s root flare. If roots are lifting a sidewalk or creating another structural concern, the report advises consulting a certified arborist rather than cutting them independently.
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Why Mature Roots Reach the Surface
Exposed roots often become noticeable as trees mature. The report says many trees lack a deep taproot and instead develop a broad root plate; most roots grow within the upper 3 feet of soil and can extend two to three times outward from the canopy’s drip line. These larger lateral roots help support the tree.
Growing conditions can influence where roots spread. Arborist Blake Watkins told Country Living that compacted soil, including soil affected by construction, can make it harder for roots to grow downward. Frequent shallow lawn irrigation may also encourage roots to remain near the surface. Some species, including redwoods, camphors, Southern magnolias, maples, sycamores and willows, are known for shallow roots; that trait alone does not establish that a tree has a problem.
“This affects the long-term health of the tree and could cause a decline.”
— Mary Carol Sheffield, certified arborist and University of Georgia extension agent
When Roots Signal a Site Problem
The presence of exposed roots alone does not show whether a tree is unhealthy or at risk. The report describes several possible causes, including species, maturity, soil compaction and watering patterns, but does not provide a diagnosis for any particular tree. It also does not specify how much root exposure is safe in every setting. Structural damage, such as a lifted sidewalk, calls for an assessment by a certified arborist who can evaluate the individual tree and site.
The suggested soil top-dressing may need to be repeated as roots continue to grow, so it is not necessarily a permanent solution. The report does not give a single remedy that suits every species or growing condition.
Practical Steps for Homeowners
Homeowners can start by keeping mower blades away from exposed roots and avoiding cuts or deep soil fill. Where coverage is wanted, the report recommends applying 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch, while leaving space around the trunk. If adding soil, use a light layer of sandy, loamy material and keep it to 2 inches at most.
For roots affecting a sidewalk or another structure, contact a certified arborist before taking action. The source also says watering during drought may help encourage deeper root growth, but it does not set out a universal schedule for every tree or location. Any watering changes should account for local conditions and the tree’s needs.
Key Questions
Should I cut exposed tree roots?
No. The arborists quoted in the report warn that cutting roots can harm a tree’s long-term health. Avoid cutting them without an assessment from a certified arborist.
How much mulch can I put over surface roots?
The report recommends 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch, such as wood chips or pine straw. Keep it a few inches away from the trunk so the root flare stays visible.
Can I cover exposed roots with soil?
The report says a light top-dressing of sandy, loamy soil can be used, but it should be no more than 2 inches deep. Deep soil coverage can deprive roots of conditions they need.
Why is grass struggling under my tree?
According to the arborists quoted, turf and tree roots compete for water and nutrients. Grass may not grow well beneath a large tree, so mulch or shade-tolerant plants may be more suitable.
When should I contact an arborist?
Contact a certified arborist if roots are lifting a sidewalk or causing another structural concern, or if you are unsure how to manage roots without compromising the tree.
Source: countryliving.com
