Question

Tree 1  
Tree 2   QUESTION: Hi Jim,

I have two trees in my backyard with above ground roots. I believe one is a sycamore and the other is a maple.   I would like to cover these roots for the main reason being I don't want kids tripping over the roots. And honestly, I do not like the way they look.  

I know I am unable to grind the roots since it will kill the trees. My next option I thought of is to cover the roots with top soil and then eventually grass.  One person told me that this is a waste of money since the roots will eventually find their way to the surface again since this is where the roots get their water source.  Is this true?  If so, how long would it take for the roots to resurface?

Let me tell you a little bit about my backyard.  My property lines a creek and my yard slopes down to the creek.  Tree 2 (picture attached) has very thick and high roots that reach far down towards the creek- some roots reaching up to 6-8 ft in length and about 4-5 inches high.  Also, the roots of this tree are headed towards my house; one root is hitting the concrete patio now but I do not see any cracks in the concrete yet.

I need advice!  What do I do with these above ground roots?

ANSWER: If I am getting this correct the roots are above ground (pictures) and you want to know if it will cause any damage if they were covered. You are correct cutting the roots will cause damage to the tree.

Most people are surprised to learn that 90 percent of the fine roots that absorb water and minerals are in the upper 6 to 12 inches of soil. Roots require space, air, and water. Roots grow best where these requirements are met, which is usually near the soil surface. Piling soil over the root system or increasing the grade smothers the roots. It takes only a few inches of added soil to kill a sensitive mature tree.

You can cover the exposed  roots of trees as long as you do not add more than 2 inches over the top of the roots. Sand is the best since it is less heavier than clay or loam. Do not pack the sand down. Since the water table is not far beneath the surface over the years the roots may again become exposed from the growth. When this happens just add more sand. There is not really  good  data to say how long before they will reach the surface OR if they will. I would say guessing over 5 years.

As far as the roots growing toward the patio You can dig a trench along the patio and cut these roots and you should not have any effect on the tree. As long as you down not damage more then 1/3 of the roots the tree will not show any signs of damage. There are root barriers that could be laid along the patio that would keep the roots form growing under it. Depending on how far the tree is from the patio it could be worth it but in most cases just cutting the roots along the cement will work fine.

I would go ahead and cover the roots with sand not over 2 inches above the roots.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your expert advice.  This is a follow up question. What do you mean by sand?  When you say sand, I am thinking of sand you find at a beach.  Can I cover the roots with top soil and reseed or install sod?

Answer
Just regular sand not from a beach--beach sand will contain salt not good for plants.  You can use top soil as long as it is not clay. the weight and it will compact more could damage the roots if too much is applied. Yes you can put down the sand or non clay top soil and re seed or sod.