Tree roots don’t always stay where they belong. When they push through the soil, they create tripping hazards and make yards look untidy. Knowing your options, from mulching to groundcover, helps you protect both your tree and your lawn. As a trusted provider of tree services in Vinings, GA, we explain what to do with tree roots above ground.
Why Tree Roots Come Above Ground
Most tree roots grow within the top 12 inches of soil. They stay shallow because oxygen, water, and nutrients are most available near the surface.
Compacted soil, heavy foot traffic, and erosion push roots further upward over time. Tree species like maples and willows are naturally shallow-rooted and more prone to this.
Old trees are also a factor. As a tree matures, its roots grow wider in diameter and can break through the soil surface over time.
Problems Caused by Above-Ground Tree Roots
Exposed roots can become a tripping hazard on uneven ground. Mower blades and trimmers can hit them, damaging both the equipment and the root. An injured root becomes an entry point for disease, rot, and insects.
Damaged roots also reduce the tree’s stability. During storms, a weakened tree is far more likely to drop branches, damage property, or injure someone.
What You Should Never Do to Exposed Roots
Do not cut large roots. Woody roots transport water and nutrients and keep the tree anchored. Cutting them can destabilize the trunk or stunt growth.
Don’t pile more than four inches of soil over exposed roots. This cuts off the oxygen supply that the root system depends on.
Never pave over roots with concrete or asphalt. As roots underneath die and decompose, the ground above shifts and becomes uneven.
Cover Roots With Mulch the Right Way
Mulching remains the most practical first step when learning how to manage surface tree roots safely. Spread two to four inches of organic wood chips across the root area. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk at all times. Piling it against the base traps moisture and causes bark decay over time.
Mulch also visually signals the root area, making it easier to mow around the tree without accidentally striking exposed roots.
Add Topsoil Only in Small, Controlled Amounts
If erosion has exposed the roots, a thin layer of topsoil can help cover them. Use coarser soil than what the tree already grows in to maintain drainage. Stay within four inches maximum. The following season, you can add another thin layer if needed.
Replace Grass With Ground Cover for a Lasting Fix
Ground covers provide a better long-term solution for exposed tree roots than grass. Consider some of the following reliable shade-tolerant options:
- Bugleweed holds moisture and spreads well in low light.
- Periwinkle stays low and requires very little maintenance.
- Wild violets add seasonal color while protecting the soil.
Remove existing grass by hand before planting, and avoid digging deeper than the surface, as roots sit just below and are easily damaged. Spread a light layer of compost first.
Replacing grass with groundcover eliminates the need to mow around exposed roots entirely. If the roots are too extensive or the tree is already declining, full removal may be the most practical course of action.
Get Expert Help With Above-Ground Tree Roots in Vinings, GA
Now that you know what to do with tree roots above ground, let Southern Tree Pros handle the hard part. Our certified arborists manage everything from fixing exposed tree roots in landscaping to ensuring healthy tree root growth in winter. Call us at (770) 841-1684 for a free estimate today.
