Care of Exposed Roots on Pine Tree - Ask Extension
Hi CSU... thanks for the help!The attached picture shows some exposed roots on a ~45 year old pine tree at my house. I am thinking of doing some xer...
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Care of Exposed Roots on Pine Tree #328348
Asked June 03, 2016, 2:58 PM EDT
Hi CSU... thanks for the help!
The attached picture shows some exposed roots on a ~45 year old pine tree at my house. I am thinking of doing some xeriscaping on that side of my house and have talked to a couple of landscapers. One was willing to do some cutting of roots on that big tree (not the crabapple in the foreground but the pine in the background), build a small retaining wall and fill it with dirt that would cover the large roots, etc. The second landscaper did not want to cut any roots and said that covering the roots with soil might kill the tree.
In the attached picture, you can see a very large root heading to the left from the pine tree. I would not cut this root where it is exposed (maybe smaller bits farther out), but this big exposed root is what I might cover with topsoil/etc. That is what worried the second landscaper.
What are your thoughts on these two topics? (cutting roots and covering roots with soil)
I have a similar tree on the other side of my property, and a couple of its roots are starting to push-up/crack the neighbor's driveway. I have no choice but to cut those. Any suggestions on the right way to do this?
Thanks again for your help. Jim Hulings, 2200 Dover Dr, Fort Collins
The attached picture shows some exposed roots on a ~45 year old pine tree at my house. I am thinking of doing some xeriscaping on that side of my house and have talked to a couple of landscapers. One was willing to do some cutting of roots on that big tree (not the crabapple in the foreground but the pine in the background), build a small retaining wall and fill it with dirt that would cover the large roots, etc. The second landscaper did not want to cut any roots and said that covering the roots with soil might kill the tree.
In the attached picture, you can see a very large root heading to the left from the pine tree. I would not cut this root where it is exposed (maybe smaller bits farther out), but this big exposed root is what I might cover with topsoil/etc. That is what worried the second landscaper.
What are your thoughts on these two topics? (cutting roots and covering roots with soil)
I have a similar tree on the other side of my property, and a couple of its roots are starting to push-up/crack the neighbor's driveway. I have no choice but to cut those. Any suggestions on the right way to do this?
Thanks again for your help. Jim Hulings, 2200 Dover Dr, Fort Collins
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Jim,
I agree 100% with the second landscaper. Cutting roots and/or piling soil on top of the exposed roots can damage/harm the tree. If this is a desirable tree, which I think it is, I wouldn't risk doing any harm. Covering the roots with soil, which has smaller particle size, can reduce soil oxygen levels. Tree roots need oxygen to survive. If the exposed roots (the look) are a problem, then you can consider covering them with a coarse-grade mulch, like shredded bark.
Cutting any roots, especially large roots on a side of a tree may lead to instability and the potential to fail. I would consider consulting with a certified arborist who can advise you on the roots near the driveway. Then discuss further with landscaper #2 what your options are to landscape around the trees, without cutting roots.
I agree 100% with the second landscaper. Cutting roots and/or piling soil on top of the exposed roots can damage/harm the tree. If this is a desirable tree, which I think it is, I wouldn't risk doing any harm. Covering the roots with soil, which has smaller particle size, can reduce soil oxygen levels. Tree roots need oxygen to survive. If the exposed roots (the look) are a problem, then you can consider covering them with a coarse-grade mulch, like shredded bark.
Cutting any roots, especially large roots on a side of a tree may lead to instability and the potential to fail. I would consider consulting with a certified arborist who can advise you on the roots near the driveway. Then discuss further with landscaper #2 what your options are to landscape around the trees, without cutting roots.
