Why Adding Soil to Exposed Tree Roots Is not a Good Idea

It is tempting to cover or cut tree roots on your property. Doing either one of these actions can lead to a larger problem for the tree as well as you.

We'll show you why it is important not to cut tree roots exposed or add soil to them. Both could be dangerous for your tree. We'll also be discussing ways to fix tree roots that are exposed without cutting or covering.

Cutting Roots: Dangerous

Here are some reasons why cutting exposed tree roots could cause problems:

• Do not cut the tree's roots: This could cause the tree to become unwell. Unhealthy trees on your property are a sign of concern. They could lead to property damage, injury, death, or even permanent disability. Contact a professional arborist if you suspect that a tree is dying or damaged on your property.

• You can kill the tree by cutting an exposed root: This can cause enough damage for the tree to be killed. It is possible that you are cutting a primary root, which supplies nutrients to the tree because you cannot see underground. This will greatly reduce the chance of the tree surviving.

• Tree stability is affected: A tree that is unstable poses a risk to both people and property. An unstable tree, like an injured one, can cause serious property damage, injury, or even death. Extreme weather patterns are especially dangerous in certain regions. This is why it is so important to regularly prune your trees.

• The tree is deprived of nutrients: The root you remove may be a major source of nutrients and water. The vital flow of nutrients to the main tree will be cut off by cutting the exposed root. This can lead to it becoming sick, unstable, or unsafe.

Problems with Adding More Land

Also, adding more soil is not an option. Doing so will lead to the following:

• Do not ignore underlying issues: Tree roots are meant to penetrate the soil. Exposure of tree roots on your property could indicate a bigger problem, such as soil erosion.

• It deprives trees and plants of nutrients. Covering tree roots exposed with soil can stop them from receiving the correct amount of oxygen (yes, tree roots need oxygen). This might be why the roots first came to the surface.

How to Deal With Exposed Tree Roots

• Mulch or compost can be used over roots to protect them. Mulch isn't as dense and heavy as soil, so it won't suffocate them. A different ground cover can be used to cover the exposed roots. Another option is compost. It is lighter, has more pores, and allows for oxygen penetration deeper into the soil. This allows for groundcovers such as Jasmine, Vinca Minor, and Pachysandra to be planted. Be sure not to cover the root with too much groundcover.

• Limit access to the area. This is another option to restrict or limit access to the area containing the exposed root(s). This will reduce the likelihood of the root being damaged or someone tripping over it.

• Add foliage. Depending on the location of the exposed roots on your property, you may want to add plants or shrubs around them. This will discourage foot traffic and hide the root(s), so it is difficult to see. Avoid plants that attract deer. This could lead to additional problems.