Question
I live in New England and the roots of the maple are above ground slightly.

Do I need to cover up the roots (doesn't affect lawn mowing).

If yes, how do I go about it. I was hoping just by adding about 1/2 inch topsoil on top of the grass without reseeding, would the covered grass grow or do I have to reseed.  

Answer
Hi David,


>>"....to cover up the roots...?"

It is not necessary to cover the surface roots of Maple trees.
Some people like to see them and it is common in Japanese gardens to actually work to make them an art-form.

If the roots are a problem for any reason, you can usually safely chop a few of them off periodically  without damaging the tree itself.  If you can manage ways for the tree to find water other than surface water, it will produce fewer surface roots.  At your lawn and garden center, you may find special watering tools for trees and shrubs that help to get the water down into the lower strata of the root-zone.  With a deeper source of water, the tree (in theory) will be less dependent upon the surface roots.

Adding soil to cover the roots should also be harmless.  This, however will most likely be just a temporary way to cover the roots which will return through the higher ground.

If your grass-type is a 'warm-climate' type (Bermuda Grass, etc.), then it will spread to cover any bare areas provided their is enough sun-light.  If you have a 'cool-climate' grass-type (Fescue, etc.),...then you will need to re-seed this to get coverage for bare areas.

A recommended 'shade tolerant' grass-type for most of the USA is a cultivar of a TALL FESCUE.
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I Hope this has answered your question(s)!
Have a fantastic Summer!

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___ Jim Gibbs,