Question
Hello;
I have a Maple tree in the middle of the front lawn.  The problem is that the person who planted it, didn't put supporters on each side, so the roots are visible.  Because the roots are so high, I have patches of grass and my lawn looks terrible.  My lawn is the worst in the neighborhood.  How can I get a beautiful lawn in the front?  

Thanks for any help that you can give me.  

Answer
Hi Gabe;
You may have to choose between the tree or the lawn.
It may not be the fault of the person who planted the tree.
Maples are fast growing trees and they, like other fast growing trees have a tendency to have shallow roots. Their roots come close to the surface to get water.
I planted a mulberry tree in my front yard ( same root problem) so I watered it with a root feeder for the first 6 years, and got the roots really deep in the soil, so grass will grow up right under it, as long as it gets enough sun.
about the only thing you can do and keep the tree is to build a retaining wall around he tree, giving it room for the trunk to expand, and build up the yard with soil deep enough to cover the roots and still give room for the grass roots, about 6 to 8 inches, and them water that area very deeply. You need the retainer wall around the trunk because if you build up the yard enough to cover the roots well, and fill in up to the trunk, you will kill he tree.
I water my grass and shrubs 6 inches deep to encourage a deep root system, but where you build up over those tree roots, you would have to water to the depth you build up the soil, and let that soak in well, then water enough to soak about 5 or 6 incjes below that.
A root feeder hooked up to your water hose, and moved around to water the area of the tree roots would be easier.
Frankly, i would be for felling a tree.
Charlotte