Landscaper Tips on Trees
A healthy root system is vital to the growth and longevity of all plant types, including trees. Besides the intake of air, water, and nutrients through the soil, tree roots also help to anchor the existing plant and will continue to spread laterally under the soil as the tree matures. While most roots usually lie about 12 to 18 inches below the soil surface, there are a number of factors that may lead to exposed tree roots that may pose a risk to your lawn equipment or become a danger for your ride. Read on to learn from the experts on landscaping services at NW Landscape Management Inc on how to patch exposed tree roots and remove these pitfalls.
Who causes the tree roots to be exposed?
Exposed tree roots give the illusion that they burst through the soil when the soil that once covered them is much more likely to have worn away in fact. Deep root feeding can help reduce erosion and promote a healthy root system and should be taken as a preventive measure. Common root exposure causes include: lack of structure–trees with a wide canopy provide a shady spot to rest, but may also stop the sun from reaching the grass at the trunk base. It may continue to erode until the roots are exposed once the grass has died and there is nothing to anchor the soil.
Heavy traffic–Foot traffic will compress or strip off the soil to expose the underlying roots.
Erosion–Wind, rain, and runoff in both sloped and flat areas can contribute to the lack of soil.
Space constraints–Tree roots can be pushed upwards in urban areas where trees can be planted next to a street or sidewalk due to lack of space.
Bad soil–Compacted or clay-based soil may limit oxygen and moisture flow, causing the roots to grow above the ground to survive the plant.
How to Fix Exposed Tree Roots:
Do’s and Don’ts In an effort to reverse the erosion effects, you may be tempted to add more soil around the tree base, covering up the roots that are exposed. Although this approach may provide temporary relief, it may cause additional damage over time by suffocating the roots or failing to fix the underlying problem.
Remove Exposed Tree Root Cutting or pruning tree roots is a risky venture that can injure or kill the tree if done wrongly. While depriving the tree of nutrients and water, pruning could make the tree brittle and cause it to collapse in a storm.
Don’t: Plant New Grass
While a new layer of grass can be grown, it may take time to establish itself. If the problem is a lack of sunshine, the new grass may also die and then the roots will reappear.
Do: Add a Mulch Layer
This is the preferred and easiest choice. Clear the remaining grass around the tree base carefully and cover it with a dense mulch layer that will protect and isolate the roots, deter pedestrian traffic and remove the need for mowing.
Near and around the house, exposed tree roots are a safety hazard. Use these tips from Use these Landscaper Tips to keep your home safe and secure.