| It's a problem that many homeowners are all too | | | | Compacted Soil - Soil that is too compact can cause |
| familiar: unsightly surface roots that develop around | | | | the large roots of a mature tree to poke out of the |
| the base of large, old trees. Your first instinct may | | | | ground. |
| be to grab an ax and hack them away; doing so can | | | | Low Oxygen Content - Soil that is starved for |
| kill the tree and create other problems. Learn how to | | | | oxygen can cause roots. It is ideal for the soil around |
| manage surface roots and make them work to your | | | | a tree to be loose enough to allow oxygen to |
| advantage by reading on below. | | | | circulate easily. |
| Why Surface Roots Develop - | | | | Too Much - or Too Little - Water - Very dry soil can |
| Roots can develop for a number of different | | | | easily crumble in turn allowing the tree's roots to |
| reasons. Some of these include: | | | | come to the surface. At the same time, soil that is |
| Genetics - One of the leading causes of surface | | | | watered too much can sink down, causing a similar |
| roots is genetics; some tress are simply destined to | | | | problem. |
| develop these types of roots, and no amount of | | | | Erosion - Sometimes, soil simply erodes away, |
| planning or preparation can help the situation. Even if | | | | revealing the roots of a tree. |
| you make accommodations for all of the other | | | | Strategies for Managing Surface Roots - |
| causes; if a tree on your property is pre-programmed | | | | Generally it is impossible to abolish surface roots as |
| by its genetics to develop them, you're not going to | | | | pruning them may not only create problems for the |
| have a whole lot of luck. | | | | tree, but also to the surrounding structures, you can |
| Poor Soil Conditions - Most landscape gardeners will | | | | however incorporate creative landscaping techniques |
| tell you that poor soil conditions are among the top | | | | to mask the problem instead. There are a number of |
| reasons for roots growing on the surface. Poor soil | | | | options you could implement. For example; loose bark |
| conditions can be caused by many different factors, | | | | chunks or mulch can be used to cover up these |
| and present themselves in a number of different | | | | roots; remember not to use too much of it, or you |
| ways. Some of the poor soil conditions that cause | | | | could harm the tree. Another superb idea is to build a |
| surface roots include: | | | | retaining wall around the base of a tree that has |
| Toxins - At times, toxins in the soil can prompt the | | | | exposed roots. Fill it with mulch and a plant bed, and |
| development of roots. If the toxins aren't causing | | | | you not only cover up unsightly roots - you add an |
| other problems, though, then they aren't really cause | | | | attractive element to your home's outdoor |
| for concern. | | | | landscaping, as well. |