Tree roots emerging above the ground can be a perplexing and potentially hazardous issue for homeowners and gardeners alike. They can create tripping hazards, interfere with mowing, and damage sidewalks and driveways. Despite these challenges, tree roots play a vital role in the health and stability of trees. This guide provides practical solutions for dealing with exposed tree roots while preserving the health of your trees. What to do with tree roots above ground?

Tree roots serve several critical functions
- Anchoring the Tree: Roots provide stability, anchoring the tree in the soil.
- Nutrient and Water Absorption: Roots absorb essential nutrients and water from the soil, supporting the tree to grow.
- Storage: Roots store food produced through photosynthesis, helping the tree survive during dormant periods.
Tree roots serve essential functions such as anchoring the tree, absorbing nutrients and water, and storing food. However, factors like soil erosion, shallow soil, certain tree species, and compacted soil can cause roots to emerge above ground, potentially leading to issues like tripping hazards or damage to infrastructure.
Why Tree Roots Emerge Above Ground
Several factors can cause tree roots to develop surface roots first:
- Soil Erosion: Water and wind can erode soil, exposing roots.
- Shallow Soil: Trees planted in shallow soil or over a hard, thin layer may develop roots close to the surface.
- Tree Species: Certain species, such as maples and willows, are more prone to developing roots.
- Compacted Soil: Compacted soil limits root growth depth, forcing roots to grow horizontally near the surface.
Identifying Problematic Roots
Not all exposed roots pose a problem. Identify which roots are causing issues:
- Tripping Hazards: Roots that create a risk of tripping.
- Damage to Infrastructure: Roots damaging sidewalks, driveways, or foundations.
- Interference with Lawn Care: Roots that make mowing difficult or damage lawn equipment.
Evaluating Tree Health
Before making any changes, assess the health of the root rot of the tree:
- Leaf Color and Size: Healthy trees have vibrant leaves.
- Growth Rate: Consistent growth indicates good health.
- Root Condition: Check for signs of disease or rot on exposed tree roots in your garden, especially the olive tree root system
Before addressing exposed tree roots, it’s crucial to evaluate the tree’s health by observing leaf color and size, growth rate, and root condition. Identifying problematic roots that pose tripping hazards or interfere with lawn care can help maintain both tree health and landscape safety.
How Tree Roots Grow

A tree’s roots are essential for its survival, including those that emerge above ground. These roots traverse the soil in search of water and nutrients to nourish the entire tree itself, extending towards sources of sustenance.
It may come as a surprise to many that the majority of tree roots are found within the top 4 to 20 inches of soil above ground roots, an area rich in oxygen, moisture, and nutrients. While the drip line—the perimeter of a tree’s leafy canopy—is often viewed as the boundary of its root system, in reality, a tree’s roots typically extend much further.
Ultimately, it’s unrealistic to expect that a tree’s roots will remain confined to a limited space or grow exclusively downward.
Why Tree Roots Grow Above Ground
Exposed tree roots can occur for a variety of reasons:
- Environmental Factors: Over time, rainfall on unprotected soil can lead to compaction, forming a crust that prevents water absorption, thus causing runoff. This runoff can lead to erosion, which strips the soil away and exposes tree roots. Additionally, in windy areas, soil can be blown away from around the roots.
- Limited Space: Trees planted in restricted areas may not have sufficient space to expand their roots naturally. In search of water and nutrients, the roots may grow outward along the surface.
- Impervious Surroundings: When trees are encircled by concrete or other non-porous materials, such as in a planting pit. The roots struggle to access oxygen and water below. The soil under impervious surfaces like sidewalks . Roads is often heavily compacted by machinery, hindering root growth.
- Heavy Traffic: Tree roots in high-traffic areas, whether by pedestrians or vehicles, are subject to soil compaction and erosion, exposing any surface-level roots.
- Soil Compaction: Compaction can occur from various activities including rainfall, vehicle movement, or construction. This dense soil creates challenging conditions for root growth, forcing roots to spread at the surface where oxygen and water are more accessible.
- Tree Species: Certain species are more prone to exposed roots due to their natural growth habits:
- Maples (Acer) typically have dense, shallow, fibrous roots adapted to finding water in shallow, rocky soils.
- Poplars (Populus), often found near water, develop wide, shallow roots and can sprout new trees from surface root suckers.
- Willows (Salix), which grow in wet areas, possess aggressive, extensive root systems that help stabilize nearby soil, especially along waterways.
- Age of the Tree: As trees age, their roots expand in diameter and become woody, pushing through the soil surface. Erosion or soil compaction accelerates this process, leading to earlier exposure of the roots.
The Problem with Exposed Tree Roots

Exposed tree roots often don’t pose a problem for the the tree’s root zone itself, as many trees naturally grow with their roots visible and remain healthy. However, the presence of such roots doesn’t guarantee the tree’s safety.
Hazards of Exposed Surface Roots
Exposed tree roots can be a serious safety hazard, particularly in areas frequented by people. You might not notice these roots until you—or more likely, a child playing—trips over them.
Beyond the risk of tripping, exposed tree roots growing alone can also cause damage to lawn mower blades when they come into contact, potentially harming the tree by making it vulnerable to pests and diseases.
Structural and Utility Damage
Even with careful planning, shallow roots exposed roots can disrupt underground utilities and infrastructure. These roots might entangle with sewer lines or other plumbing systems, causing disruptions or damage. They can also infiltrate cracks in a home’s foundation, gradually causing significant structural damage that compromises the building’s integrity.
Risk of Tree Fall
While tree roots growing typically anchor a tree securely underground, roots that grow above ground are less effective at stabilizing the tree’s trunk. This can make the tree unstable, increasing the risk of it toppling during adverse weather conditions like high winds or heavy snow. Falling trees not only threaten property but can also fall on power lines, posing risks of fire, electrocution, and even fatalities.
Practical Solutions for Managing Exposed Tree Roots

Mulching
Mulching is an effective way to cover exposed roots and improve the soil’s surface health.
- Materials: Use organic materials like wood chips, bark, or compost.
- Application: Spread mulch 2-4 inches deep around the tree, extending to the drip line. Avoid piling mulch against the tree trunk (volcano mulching).
Benefits:
- Reduces soil erosion.
- Retains moisture.
- Improves soil quality over time.
Mulching is an effective way to cover exposed roots and improve the soil’s surface health. By using organic materials like wood chips, bark, or compost, and spreading mulch 2-4 inches deep around the tree, you can reduce soil erosion, retain moisture, and enhance soil quality over time.
Ground Covers and Landscaping
Planting ground covers or creating landscaped areas more soil can protect exposed roots.
- Ground Covers: Use shade-tolerant, low-maintenance plants such as ivy, hostas, or creeping thyme.
- Landscaping: Create a natural area with a variety of plants and organic materials.
Benefits:
- Reduces maintenance.
- Enhances aesthetics.
- Provides habitat for beneficial insects.
Building Paths and Walkways
Constructing paths or walkways can protect roots and prevent tripping hazards.
- Materials: Use materials like gravel, mulch, or pavers.
- Design: Create paths that accommodate root growth without damaging them.
Benefits:
- Protects roots from foot traffic.
- Defines walking areas, reducing compaction around roots.
Creating Raised Beds
Raised beds can be built around trees to cover roots and add planting space.
- Materials: Use wood, stone, or brick to build the beds.
- Design: Ensure the bed is large enough to avoid root damage and allow for air circulation.
Benefits:
- Provides additional planting space.
- Protects roots from damage.
What NOT to Do When Roots Grow Above Ground

Here are some common but misguided methods people might consider for dealing with fix exposed tree roots, along with explanations of why these approaches can be harmful to the most fix exposed tree roots:
- Burying Roots with Soil: It might seem intuitive to cover exposed roots with soil to hide them and prevent tripping hazards, but adding soil around a tree’s roots can suffocate them. This deprives the tree of essential oxygen, killing the roots and stressing the tree, as these roots are crucial for absorbing water and nutrients.
- Paving Over Roots: Similar to burying with soil, paving over exposed roots with asphalt or concrete is even more detrimental. The roots will eventually die and decompose, which destabilizes the paving material, causing it to shift, crack, and become an uneven tripping hazard.
- Cutting Tree Roots Off Exposed: Never cut exposed tree roots. Despite their tough, woody appearance, all roots are vital and active, not dormant. Cutting them can be likened to badly pruning a branch; the tree cannot “heal” this wound effectively, leading to further stress and potential disease entry points.
- Covering Roots with a Mulch Volcano: While mulch is beneficial for moisture retention and temperature control in a garden, improperly applied mulch can be harmful. Piling mulch against the tree trunk (creating a “mulch volcano”) can lead to excess moisture retention around the trunk, promoting rot and fungal infections. Always keep mulch away from the trunk to ensure the health of the tree.
- Creating a Planting Bed Over Roots: Installing a new planting bed around a tree’s visible roots can tempt some gardeners, but digging into the root zone can severely damage or kill the tree. Moreover, new plants compete with the tree for water and nutrients, further stressing it. It’s best to plant annuals and perennials away from the tree’s critical root zone to avoid disturbance and competition.
Planting ground covers or creating landscaped areas can protect exposed roots while reducing maintenance and enhancing aesthetics. Using shade-tolerant, low-maintenance plants like ivy or hostas, and creating natural areas with various plants and organic materials, provides habitat for beneficial insects and ensures the health of your landscape.
How to Prevent Exposed Tree Roots

Tree Selection and Placement
Choosing the right tree and planting location can prevent future problems.
- Tree Species: Select species known for deeper root systems.
- Planting Location: Plant trees away from structures, sidewalks, and driveways.
Considerations:
- Soil depth and type.
- Available space for root growth.
Soil Management
Proper soil management can encourage deeper root growth.
- Aeration: Aerate the soil to reduce compaction and improve root penetration.
- Amendments: Add organic matter to improve soil structure and fertility.
Benefits:
- Promotes healthy root growth.
- Reduces the likelihood of roots.
Professional Help and When to Seek It
There are situations where professional help is necessary:
- Large Root Systems: When dealing with extensive root systems that pose significant problems.
- Tree Health Concerns: If the tree shows signs of disease or poor health.
- Complex Landscaping Projects: For designing and implementing complex landscaping solutions.
Professionals to Consider:
- Arborists: Certified arborists can assess tree health and recommend solutions.
- Landscapers: Professional landscapers can design and install ground covers, paths, and raised beds.
FAQs
Can I cut the exposed roots?
Cutting roots can harm the tree and should be avoided if possible. If tree removal is necessary, consult an arborist.
How can I prevent roots from damaging my sidewalk?
Installing root barriers when planting trees can prevent future damage. For existing trees, consult a professional for solutions.
Is mulching around the tree enough?
Mulching is beneficial but may need to be combined with other solutions, depending on the severity of the problem.
Can I use concrete or asphalt to cover most tree roots?
Hard surfaces can harm the tree by restricting water and air to the roots. Opt for permeable materials like grass, gravel, or mulch.
How often should I check on the tree’s exposed roots?
Regularly inspect the area, especially after storms or heavy rains, to ensure the roots remain covered and healthy.
Is it OK to Remove Tree Roots Above Ground?
It’s generally advisable to be cautious when removing exposed tree roots because they are critical to a tree’s health and stability. Removing them can harm the tree and make it more susceptible to disease and instability. However, if the roots are causing significant problems, like damaging infrastructure, it may be necessary to address them. In such cases, consulting with an arborist is recommended to minimize harm to the tree.
How Do You Get Rid of Raised Tree Roots?
Removing raised tree root should be done carefully and, ideally, by professionals. If removal is necessary:
Consult an Arborist: Before cutting any major exposed roots, it’s important to get professional advice to ensure the health of the tree isn’t compromised.
Gentle Excavation: If minor roots are to be removed, gently excavate around the root to avoid damaging it and the surrounding area.
Proper Tools: Use sharp, clean tools to make clean cuts on the roots.
Address Underlying Issues: Consider improving soil conditions or adjusting watering practices to encourage the tree to grow roots deeper into the ground in the future.
What Does It Mean When Tree Root Are Above Ground?
Roots may emerge above the soil for several reasons:
Soil Compaction: Hard, compacted soils may prevent roots from growing downward.
Erosion: Soil erosion can expose previously buried roots.
Oxygen and Moisture Levels: Poor drainage or low oxygen levels in the soil can lead trees to develop more superficial root systems.
Natural Growth Patterns: Some species naturally have more superficial roots.
Conclusion
Dealing with trees with roots growing above ground requires a balanced approach that considers both the health of the tree and the safety and aesthetics of your landscape. By understanding why roots emerge, assessing the situation, and implementing practical solutions, you can manage exposed tree roots effectively. Preventative measures and professional help can further ensure the longevity and health of your trees while maintaining a beautiful and safe environment.
Regular monitoring and maintenance will keep the exposed tree roots covered and healthy, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of your trees without the associated hazards. Whether you opt for mulching, ground covers, paths, or raised beds, each solution offers unique benefits tailored to different scenarios. With careful planning and consideration, you can successfully navigate the challenges posed by exposed tree roots.