Silver maple roots above ground - Ask Extension
What can I do with the exposed tree roots in my yard? It is difficult to cut the lawn without running over the roots. The soil is so bad now the g...
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Silver maple roots above ground #568723
Asked June 09, 2019, 2:39 PM EDT
What can I do with the exposed tree roots in my yard? It is difficult to cut the lawn without running over the roots. The soil is so bad now the grass doesn't grow well. Someone suggested cutting 1/3 of the exposed roots every year with an sawzall. Could that work without killing the tree? Who would do that work?
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Surface roots, dense tree canopies, and many seeds are common problems of maple trees. A tree usually has 4 to 7 major roots. Cutting
just one of the large surface roots within a few feet of the trunk can remove up to 25
percent of the root system. Removing surface roots will disrupt the moisture
supply to the tree. Balance between the tree’s crown (top) and root system is important for
maintaining healthy trees. When roots are lost for any reason, the
imbalance creates stress. A stressed tree has more insect and disease problems. Covering them with soil could cut off the oxygen supply to the fine roots in the soil below.
Cutting off the problem surface roots often causes stress and instability. Trees
without sufficient root support can be blown over more easily in a
storm. Pick up the seeds before they germinate.The best solution is usually to mulch the area under the tree with 3 inches of wood chips. Do not place the wood chips against the tree trunk. Wood chips are porous enough to allow
sufficient oxygen supply to the soil and may actually encourage fine
root growth.
