Dealing with tree surface roots that pop up

  • Surface roots erupt through the soil surface and extend beyond the tree trunk. COURTESY PHOTO | MELINDAMYERS.COM
    Surface roots erupt through the soil surface and extend beyond the tree trunk. COURTESY PHOTO | MELINDAMYERS.COM
Roots erupting through the soil surface that extend beyond the tree trunk are known as surface roots. This is a normal part of aging for shallowrooted trees. The aging roots increase in circumference just like the tree’s branches and trunk. As they thicken, the upper portion of the roots appear above the soil surface. These roots irritate gardeners when trying to grow and mow the grass under the…

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