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What To Do With Tree Roots Above Ground
Exposed roots can turn a healthy yard into a frustrating one. They catch mower blades, lift concrete, and make simple tasks harder than they should be. This leads people to ask, “Can you cut tree roots that are above ground​?”
In this post, General Tree Service, your reliable source for tree services in Tehachapi, CA, answers this question.
What Causes Roots To Grow Above Ground?
Surface roots can be a natural part of the aging process. As the root system expands, thicker roots rise closer to the surface. Soil erosion can worsen the problem, especially after heavy rain.
Limited space also plays a role. Trees planted near driveways, sidewalks, or foundations push upward when they run out of room below.
Understanding why roots appear helps you determine the proper treatment. It is rarely a sign of a failing tree and more typically a response to conditions in the soil.
Managing Tree Roots on a Lawn
Exposed roots and turf rarely work well together. Grass struggles to grow in shaded areas, and mowing over raised roots can damage both your equipment and your landscape. A better approach is to rethink the space around the tree.
Removing grass near the base reduces maintenance and protects the roots from repeated impact. This shift alone can make the area easier to manage and safer to navigate.
Solutions for Exposed Tree Root Problems
So, can you cut tree roots that are above ground? Technically, you can, but we don’t recommend it. As with pruning, if you damage more than a third of the root system, you risk seriously harming your tree by weakening its support system.
Besides, there are other ways to deal with the issue. Let’s look at how to fix exposed tree roots without cutting them.
Mulch is one of the most effective ways to deal with exposed roots. A layer of natural mulch cushions the area, holds moisture, and improves the look of the landscape. It also keeps foot traffic away from sensitive roots. The layer should be thick enough to cover the area but not piled against the trunk.
Ground cover plants are another option. Low-maintenance plants can fill the space where grass fails, reducing the need for mowing. Careful planting matters here because disturbing major roots during installation can cause more harm than good.
In some cases, adjusting nearby hard surfaces may also help. If roots are lifting a walkway or driveway, it may be better to modify the affected structure rather than risk damaging the tree.
Covering roots with soil might seem like a logical alternative, but this often creates new problems. Extra soil can trap moisture and limit airflow, which affects root health over time.
Get Tree Root Repair and Safety Tips
Can you cut tree roots that are above ground? For safe, effective solutions tailored to your property, contact General Tree Service at 661-323-3155. And don’t forget to check out our blog for useful information like our tree trimming vs. pruning guide.
