Question
Dear Leigh Ball,

I was referred to an arborist, but it seems you may be able to help me with this.

I found what I thought was to be a perfect spot for my pond.  Next to rose bush, plenty of sunlight, good drainage, etc, but I did not take into account of my maple tree.  I know about the leaves and spoilage part, but I think I can handle that.  HOwever I dug my pond out during fall.  I still have more to go - depth.  I ran into many roots from my Maple tree that sits within 2 feet of my pond.  I cut some small roots and left all the large ones.  My question is-  Can I cut around these roots or make the pond different depths by cutting around them?  I would REALLY not like to move my pond and replace all the dirt and not to cut down the tree. I read that maybe I could put sand, old carpet, etc as a prevention from punctures and than lay the flexible liner?  I am sorry this is long question, just want to complete my pond during this spring?
Any advice that would make this a succesful project would make me so exuberant.  

Thank you for your time and consideration.
What a site!

p.s. I am an executive chef - is there any way that I can answer or advise people on questions? How do I go about doing that?

Answer
Get some of the black building papersold at a builders supply store and lay down the paper next to the roots the roots will not grow past the paper, a layer or two may be a good idea on the bottom to prevent the roots growing up into the liner. An old carpet would be ideal as a cushion to guard against sharp edges. As for giving advice, go to the home page of All Experts and follow instructions for volunteering

            Good Luck
               Leigh