The roots of your trees are vital to their survival. Not only do the roots anchor a tree into the ground but it’s also their lifeline for nutrients and water. While healthy roots are supposed to grow parallel to the surface, sometimes, tree roots can break through the surface.
Unfortunately, tree roots coming to the surface can be accompanied by problems.
In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about exposed tree roots and what to do about them.
We’ll cover:
What Causes Tree Roots to Surface?
Why Are Exposed Tree Roots Problematic?
What to do When Tree Roots Come to the Surface
How to Prevent Exposed Tree Roots in the Future
Choosing Tree Care in Southern NH, Northeastern Massachusetts, and Southern Maine
What Causes Tree Roots to Surface?
Tree roots are meant to grow horizontally and extend away from the tree. So, why do tree roots come to the surface? There are a number of different reasons why this can occur.
Lack of Growing Space
If a tree was planted in a space where it does not have ample room to grow and spread its roots, they may start to come to the surface level. This is one of the reasons why it’s so important to consider the long-term growth of a tree when installing it in any space.
Compacted Soil
If soil is compacted, this can also lead to exposed tree roots. This is because compacted soil makes it difficult for the tree to access water, oxygen, and nutrients. As a result, the roots may start growing toward the surface, in search of what it needs to survive.
Erosion
Eroding soil and heavy foot traffic can also begin to cause exposed tree roots over time.
Trees with Shallow Roots
Sometimes, the problem is the tree itself. Some trees do have shallow root systems and are more likely to surface. Japanese Maples are just one of several examples.
Why Are Exposed Tree Roots Problematic?
When tree roots come to the surface, it can pose several potential problems.
Damage to the Roots
Exposed roots are much more likely to become damaged. The number one accident related to exposed tree roots is lawn mower damage. While it can be hard to avoid, you don’t want the mower blades hitting the exposed roots. Damaged tree roots have increased susceptibility to problems like pests and diseases.
Trips and Falls
Exposed tree roots can also be a tripping hazard and an annoyance in your yard. You want the kids to be able to run around without tripping over roots!
Aesthetics
Exposed tree roots can also be an eyesore. Nobody wants tree roots sticking up in their yard.
Weakened Tree System
Remember that the roots are your tree's anchoring system. Weakly-anchored trees might be more likely to fall in the right conditions!
What to do When Tree Roots Come to the Surface
If you have a tree with exposed tree roots, you’ll want to talk to a tree care professional about the best steps to take.
Often, the tree roots can be gently covered with a thin layer of mulch or topsoil. It’s important not to bury the roots too deep as this can actually suffocate them and lead to greater issues.
Sometimes, the problem cannot be easily remedied and tree removal might be your best course of action to reduce a greater risk.
If your tree was planted in a location where it doesn’t have ample room to grow or you have a major soil compaction issue, these issues might not be easily overcome. Removing the tree and planting a new tree in a better location could be the answer.
How to Prevent Exposed Tree Roots in the Future
As Benjamin Franklin once famously said, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! In other words, it’s always easier to prevent a problem than it is to deal with it later.
In the case of exposed tree roots, making smart choices around where to install a tree is critically important. This includes paying attention to soil quality and health, potential issues with erosion, environmental conditions, and spacing.
You can also keep up with regular lawn aeration around trees to help ensure that you’re promoting healthy and aerated turf. This is a service provided by our sister company, Seacoast Turf Care. Aeration also happens to produce beautiful, enviable lawns, too!
Choosing Tree Care in Southern NH, Northeastern Massachusetts, and Southern Maine
Caring for the trees on your New England property can be a daunting task. And when there are issues, such as exposed tree roots, you might not know the best way to approach them.
But when you partner with a tree care expert, you’ll always have professional guidance and expertise leading the way.
At Seacoast Tree Care, our focus is on trees (as our name implies!). We are experts in the field and we’ve been doing this for a long time. When we diversified into lawn care, we grew that business as a sister company that has its own turf experts.
At Seacoast Tree Care, we take the work that we do quite seriously. We started our business with the belief that we are here to care for and protect trees whenever we can. That includes helping homeowners with problems like exposed tree roots. However, when they do have to come down, we know it’s absolutely critical that it’s done right.
If you’re worried about a tree with exposed roots, reach out to us and we’ll help you determine your next best steps.
Ready for safer and healthier trees at your Southern NH, Maine, or Northeastern Massachusetts home? Request your consultation and get a free quote for tree services. We service properties in and around Stratham, NH, Kittery, ME, and Haverhill, MA. By making a wise choice, you’ll know your trees are in good hands.
