Latteral Tree Roots Coming Through Lawn. What Can I do?
I have quite a large tree in my garden, unfortunatly its roots are appearing above ground level protruding latteraly through my lawn, in one place its even raising a paving slab.
Im concerned as the mower blades catches them, and its starting to look unsightly.
Does anyone have any advise ?
Can they be removed, or would that weaken the root system and endanger the stability of the tree?
Should I concider raising the lawned area to cover the roots, or would they re-amerge again in time?
Any budding horticulturists out there, that can advise me?
Thanks
Answers:
First off you are correct, cutting the roots will negatively impact the stability and health of the tree. Unless they are thin roots 1/4 inch in diameter or less. You will better off topdressing (at least 6 inches and then re seed) over the roots and around the tree (even if it means repositioning the cement slab. If the cement slab is of a permanent nature you may need to call in an expert who can better advise you if it's safe to cut the root. If you do cut the root remove it otherwise when it breaks down you will get unsightly mushrooms growing in your lawn from the decoposing wood.
There is however another option, why not remove the grass from around the tree and build a garden (depending on where the tree is), you can also instead of a garden lay a thick layer of cedar mulch approx 6 inches and more under the tree and make it into a shady sitting area. You will spend less time mowing and more time enjoying your favourite beverage in the shade.
You can remove the roots. We did. It won't affect the tree as the trees tap (main) root goes as far down as the tree goes up.
You didn't say what kind of tree. Some trees are like that. Maples, for example. If the roots are sizable, you will most definitely weaken the tree but cutting them.
You might consider changing what you have there - i.e. a garden instead of a lawn. You could add soil and such help A0 smother the grass, and b) provide space to start planting things. If the tree is a maple, or other than naturally has surface roots, then it won't be long before the roots migrate to whatever new surface level you have made.
So if you're not going to remove the tree entirely, I think you should figure out a way to live with it, and, ideally, not be mowing there.
Two options without knowing what species of tree is being discussed and where you live.
1) top dressing the turf area with sand to "level" the turf and cover the roots.
2) removal of the tree entirely.
Also consider how you water for next time. It is much better to water for longer amounts of time instead of a little every day. For example: 30 minutes twice a week rather than 10 minutes every day. That encourages the roots to go deeply to reach water than staying on the surface because that is where the water is. This goes for grass, trees, shrubs too. The only problem is if you are on a slope.
Good luck with those roots :-)
Get some stone edging and make a circle around the tree enclosing the troublesome roots. kill off the grass within the circle with roundup or remove it. put down a sheet of fabric within circle (from garden centre off a roll) to stop weeds and grass growing. fill up your circle with gravel to the top of edging. now what about a seat around the trunk of the tree. gravel is excellent for draining away water.......... an idea.
No, don't remove the roots. That's not a good idea at all unless you want to kill the tree.
It's okay to add some soil to the area to cover the roots. Then you may want to plant a groundcover in that area so you won't have to mow under the tree.
Just don't pile soil or mulch around the trunk. That's another good way to kill a tree.
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Im concerned as the mower blades catches them, and its starting to look unsightly.
Does anyone have any advise ?
Can they be removed, or would that weaken the root system and endanger the stability of the tree?
Should I concider raising the lawned area to cover the roots, or would they re-amerge again in time?
Any budding horticulturists out there, that can advise me?
Thanks
Answers:
First off you are correct, cutting the roots will negatively impact the stability and health of the tree. Unless they are thin roots 1/4 inch in diameter or less. You will better off topdressing (at least 6 inches and then re seed) over the roots and around the tree (even if it means repositioning the cement slab. If the cement slab is of a permanent nature you may need to call in an expert who can better advise you if it's safe to cut the root. If you do cut the root remove it otherwise when it breaks down you will get unsightly mushrooms growing in your lawn from the decoposing wood.
There is however another option, why not remove the grass from around the tree and build a garden (depending on where the tree is), you can also instead of a garden lay a thick layer of cedar mulch approx 6 inches and more under the tree and make it into a shady sitting area. You will spend less time mowing and more time enjoying your favourite beverage in the shade.
You can remove the roots. We did. It won't affect the tree as the trees tap (main) root goes as far down as the tree goes up.
You didn't say what kind of tree. Some trees are like that. Maples, for example. If the roots are sizable, you will most definitely weaken the tree but cutting them.
You might consider changing what you have there - i.e. a garden instead of a lawn. You could add soil and such help A0 smother the grass, and b) provide space to start planting things. If the tree is a maple, or other than naturally has surface roots, then it won't be long before the roots migrate to whatever new surface level you have made.
So if you're not going to remove the tree entirely, I think you should figure out a way to live with it, and, ideally, not be mowing there.
Two options without knowing what species of tree is being discussed and where you live.
1) top dressing the turf area with sand to "level" the turf and cover the roots.
2) removal of the tree entirely.
Also consider how you water for next time. It is much better to water for longer amounts of time instead of a little every day. For example: 30 minutes twice a week rather than 10 minutes every day. That encourages the roots to go deeply to reach water than staying on the surface because that is where the water is. This goes for grass, trees, shrubs too. The only problem is if you are on a slope.
Good luck with those roots :-)
Get some stone edging and make a circle around the tree enclosing the troublesome roots. kill off the grass within the circle with roundup or remove it. put down a sheet of fabric within circle (from garden centre off a roll) to stop weeds and grass growing. fill up your circle with gravel to the top of edging. now what about a seat around the trunk of the tree. gravel is excellent for draining away water.......... an idea.
No, don't remove the roots. That's not a good idea at all unless you want to kill the tree.
It's okay to add some soil to the area to cover the roots. Then you may want to plant a groundcover in that area so you won't have to mow under the tree.
Just don't pile soil or mulch around the trunk. That's another good way to kill a tree.
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