Is it ok to leave tree roots exposed?

When tree roots are exposed, they can cause a risk of falling and potentially cause injury. Exposure can affect the health and well-being of the tree, so try to protect the roots of trees, especially mature trees. Exposed tree roots in and of themselves don't mean your tree is in trouble. Quite the opposite, in fact, trees with superficial roots are alive and well.

We often think that tree roots are buried deep in the ground, and yes, they can extend deep underground. But the roots of some trees are shallower than we thought and are only 10 inches or less below the ground. It's not uncommon for these shallow roots to appear above the ground as the tree grows over time. In addition to being a bit monstrous, exposed surface roots can cause more serious problems.

Lawn mowers and other garden equipment are much more likely to damage a bare root, which can compromise its ability to absorb nutrients and water from the tree. Injured roots are also more vulnerable to decay and disease. As a tree ages, shallow roots can sometimes expand to the point where they are exposed above the soil surface. Roots can also be exposed due to soil erosion or overcrowded conditions that force them to surface.

If your tree has exposed roots that are causing problems, try to cover them with mulch or attractive vegetation cover. As a last resort, consider removing or partially eliminating a problem root. Prevent problems by strategically planting your trees and choosing species that are less prone to surface roots. Exposed roots are at risk because lawnmowers run over them and cut off their bark, Taylor says.

Wounds expose the tree to infections and putrefaction. Not only are exposed tree roots unattractive to the eye, but they also make it difficult to landscape your garden and leave trees vulnerable to damage. If this occurs, check with a trusted tree service - cairnstreeloppingpros.com company in your area before taking any action. Root exposure is more common in older trees and in certain faster-growing species, such as willows and aspen trees, which provide shade.

Fortunately, there are several ways to cover roots above ground to keep your garden attractive and your tree protected. Ned Patchett Tree Care & Consulting has been proud to serve San Carlos, California and the San Francisco Bay Area for years. You don't want to set up a sitting or playing area near exposed roots because they pose a tripping hazard. Straw seeds or pine bark work well, but make sure the layer is no more than three or four inches thick and leave a few inches of empty space around the base of the trunk to avoid suffocating the tree.

As fungi and other organisms break down leaves, they release valuable nutrients that the tree's roots can absorb. This is good because healthy roots mean strong, healthy trees that will stand tall and continue to share their benefits for many years to come. The anchor and support roots are located deep below the tree and are unlikely to be exposed unless the tree is uprooted from the ground. Use enough mulch to cover the entire area of exposed roots, which can account for up to two-thirds of the diameter of the tree's crown.

Not only do exposed roots pose a dangerous tripping hazard, but they can also pose a hazard to the trees they support. They can implement preventive measures, such as barriers to erosion, and advise you how to safely prune or even, in extreme cases, remove trees with problematic root exposure. .