Question
Jim,

We have two young Autumn Blaze maple trees on either side of our entrance in large mulched beds that include daylilys, black-eyed susans, and junipers. The beds are automatically irrigated by drip lines under the mulch.

I am concerned that with all that surface water available, the maple tree roots will stay on the surface of the soil under the mulch and will not dig in. Then, when they get larger, they won't be well grounded (pun intended) and could be knocked over by the next big wind that comes along. Should I be concerned?

Regards,

Gil

Answer
Autumn Blaze's roots are infamously shallow and extensive, often spreading beyond the drip line. The ground close to the trunk may seem choked with roots. The many-branched, fibrous roots allow the tree to quench its intense thirst. But this root system is well "grounded" and you will have not problem with the tree toppling over in wind. I would not be concerned about this at all.