What to Do With Tree Roots Growing Above Ground

Your best options on what to do with tree roots growing above ground are to cover the roots with organic mulch or plant shade-tolerant groundcovers. Other methods, like pruning the roots or removing the tree, have serious drawbacks.

In this article, we discuss each available option, why some are better than others, what to expect from using each method, and how to prevent roots from growing above ground in the first place.

5 ways to handle tree roots in your yard

1. Cover the tree roots with organic mulch

An easy solution to hide the exposed tree roots is spreading organic mulch. The mulch layer comes with valuable benefits besides the visual improvement. It helps you keep a healthy tree by:

• Protecting the exposed roots from heat and freeze
• Ensuring proper moisture for the tree root system
• Preventing soil erosion
• Allowing the roots good access to oxygen and nutrients

Mulch also signals the area with surface tree roots, making mowing around it easier (if the tree is part of your lawn).

There’s one downside to mulching that you need to consider: It degrades over time and can be carried away by heavy rainfall or wind, so you’ll need to reapply it periodically.

How do you mulch around trees with exposed roots? Gently remove any grass growing between the exposed woody roots, then spread a 2-4 inches thick layer of mulch. Stop a few inches from the tree trunk and leave the trunk flare (where the topmost roots start) uncovered.

Don’t pile mulch against the tree’s base – also known as building mulch volcanoes or mulch pyramids. Doing so can damage the tree.  

“Volcano mulch does not kill trees outright; if it did, people wouldn’t do it. Instead, it produces subtle, long-term, ill-effects that are mostly hidden from our view,” says Joe Boggs, assistant professor at the Ohio State University. 

He explains that this practice leads to bark decay, exposes the tree to pests and diseases, and triggers the growth of secondary roots that can girdle the trunk. 

Not sure of what type of mulch to choose? Four good options ranked from best to worst by the Sacramento Tree Foundation are:

• Natural wood chips
• Shredded leaves, compost, lawn clippings, straw
• Bark
• Cardboard

For more helpful information about mulch, read our articles:

• “How Much Does Mulch Cost in 2024?”
• “Where to Find Free Mulch”
• “What are the Different Types of Mulch?”

Avoid rocks, gravel, and decomposed granite, as they can compact the soil over time.

Pro tip: If the tree is on a slope, try shredded redwood (also known as gorilla hair). Its fine, intertwined texture stays where other mulch types go down the slope.

2. Plant shade-tolerant groundcovers

Planting groundcovers over the surface roots is more permanent and low-maintenance than mulching. You plant once, and then the covers provide proper moisture, keep the roots hidden, and prevent soil erosion.

Choose groundcovers that can grow in the tree shade, don’t require mowing, and are suitable for your USDA zone. Here are a few examples:

• Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)
• Barrenwort (Epemedium spp.)
• English ivy (Hedera helix)
• Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis)
• Periwinkle (Vinca minor)
• Japanese spurge (Pachysandra terminalis)
• Wild violets (Viola sororia)

Avoid digging in the root area. Remove fallen leaves, grass, or weeds, and spread a 2-4 inches thick layer of compost or topsoil. It’s deep enough to spread seeds or plant some seedlings. 

If you have to dig, do it manually and carefully to prevent root damage. 

3. Add edging and a layer of topsoil

You can decide not to plant the area and only cover the roots with topsoil. If so, always add loose soil, coarser than the one the tree grows in, so its lateral roots can have access to plenty of oxygen and water.

Since bare soil is more exposed to erosion than mulch and groundcovers, we recommend installing garden edging to keep the soil in place. Be careful when hand digging so as not to harm the underground roots.

4. Prune smaller roots

Should you grind exposed tree roots? Homeowners are often tempted to cut the protruding roots and keep the tree, but this approach is risky and usually highly damaging for the tree. 

Those large roots growing above the soil’s surface are feeder roots essential for the tree’s health. Cutting them deprives the tree of nutrients and water. Entire branches can dry out, becoming a fire hazard and risking breaking and falling during storms. 

However, there’s a bit of root-pruning professionals can do while protecting the tree’s health. According to the University of Florida, a few small roots, less than half an inch in diameter, can be severed on well-established trees. Roots broader than 1 inch should never be cut or damaged since this could harm the tree. 

If you treasure the trees in your yard as I do mine, only decide to cut roots if absolutely necessary and always ask a certified arborist to do it.

If you want to learn more, check out these articles:

• “How Much Does it Cost to Plant a Tree in 2024?”
• “How to Transplant a Tree”
• “Common Pests That Damage Trees”

5. Remove the tree and its roots

In some situations, such as cracked pavement, roots breaking through a patio or a shed floor, or old trees that are already ill, you might need to remove the tree and its roots to solve the problem. 

Tree removal costs between $385 and $1,070, depending on the size of the tree and how difficult it is to bring it down safely. 

If you want to know more on removal, check out these articles:

• “12 Signs You May Need to Remove a Tree”
• “How Much Does Stump Removal Cost in 2024?”
• “How Much Does Stump Removal Cost in 2024?”

Why are my tree’s roots above ground?

“Most tree roots tend to be in the top 12 inches of soil and extend to at least the edge of the canopy and often beyond. Tree roots need access to oxygen to grow, which is often more available near the soil’s surface,” explains Bonnie Kirn Donahue, Extension Master Gardener at the University of Vermont.

Growing this close to the surface, it’s easy to rise above ground when the conditions force them to. The most common causes of above-ground tree roots are:

• Lack of oxygen due to compacted soil, overwatering, or roots getting under pavements where airflow is low.
• There is not enough space for roots to grow.
• Soil erosion that exposes the roots.
• Old trees with thick, woody roots that break the soil surface.

Willows, poplars, maple trees, and other tree species have very shallow root systems and are prone to rising above the ground. These swamp trees grow in damp soil and are used to search for oxygen above ground.

How to prevent tree roots from going above ground

To prevent tree roots from going above ground:

• Avoid swamp trees with overly shallow roots, which are prone to growing above the ground.
• Pick a tree suitable for your yard’s soil.
• Don’t plant large trees in small areas. Choose a spot with enough space for its roots to grow.
• Don’t install pavement inside the drip line (the utmost circumference of the the tree canopy).
• Avoid heavy traffic close to the tree.
• Carefully aerate the area if the soil is compacted.
• Avoid overwatering the trees in your yard.
• Plant groundcovers or spread mulch around the tree to avoid soil erosion. 
• Avoid planting trees where the soil is exposed to erosion.

Related articles:

• “Complete Guide to Different Soil Types”
• “How Can You Tell if You Have Compacted Soil?”
• “How to Control Erosion in Your Yard”
• “Benefits of Aerating Your Lawn”

FAQ about tree roots above ground

Can a tree survive with exposed roots?

Yes, it can, but it’s often less healthy and more vulnerable to pests and diseases. It depends on many factors, such as whether or not it is exposed to damage by a lawn mower or string trimmer and whether it receives proper nutrients, oxygen, and water.

What are the risks of above-ground tree roots?

Exposed tree roots come with important risks for the tree and the homeowner:

• They’re a tripping hazard for adults and children.
• Above-ground roots can damage lawn mower blades and trimmer strings that hit the tough, woody structure.
• Exposed roots are more vulnerable to fungal diseases, insect infestation, and rot.
• Damaged roots lead to dry branches, and leaves are more likely to catch fire during drought or thunderstorms.
• Lateral roots also play a role in the tree’s stability, and any damage can expose your yard to the risk of a fallen tree. 

What kills root trees quickly?

Salt kills root trees rather quickly and is often used to remove remaining roots after a tree is cut down. To use it effectively, drill holes about 6 inches deep into the tree stump and the visible roots and fill them with salt and water. Put a tarp on and check in two weeks. 

Let a pro safely mow around above-ground tree roots

Mowing around exposed tree roots comes with the risk of nicking the roots and killing the tree, damaging lawn mower blades, and tripping in the process. This task is better left to the pros.

Use the Lawn Love app or website to find a lawn care professional experienced in mowing challenging areas. Protect the trees while enjoying a neat, lush lawn!

Main Image Credit: ogawaay | Adobe Stock Free | License