While crossing your lawn one day, you trip over something and nearly faceplant in the dirt. You rub your aching foot, look down to see what the culprit is, and find gnarly tree roots peeking out at you from the soil. Should you remove those roots, or is it best to leave them as-is?
In this guide, you’ll learn how to get rid of above-ground tree roots from our professional tree service in Austin, TX.
When Should You Worry About Above-Ground Tree Roots?
Above-ground tree roots may look unsightly, but a few of them are usually nothing to be concerned about. Trees can typically grow just fine with exposed roots. Some species, like silver maple and poplar, naturally grow surface roots.
Exposed roots mainly become a problem if they present a tripping hazard. If you have young ones, you certainly don’t want them to trip over those roots and fall. Above-ground roots also make it tough to do landscaping around the tree.
If too many roots are exposed, it can spell trouble for the tree. Foot traffic and the elements can damage the roots, eventually killing the tree.
The Best Solution: Mulch Application
If your tree’s above-ground tree roots are bugging you, it’s better to cover them up with mulch than it is to remove them. A poor root pruning job can irreparably damage tree stability.
To cover exposed roots with mulch, you’ll first need to remove the turf around the exposed area. Once that’s done, apply 3 to 4 inches of mulch around the tree, taking care not to pile any around the tree’s trunk. If you do this, wet mulch can cause the tree trunk to rot.
Bark mulch, such as pine, is a good pick. It’s lightweight and allows for good airflow. Stay away from rubber mulch, as some brands contain chemicals that can leach into the soil and harm the tree.
After finishing your mulching job, avoid planting flowers near the tree’s base. Other vegetation can steal nutrients from the tree, hindering its growth.
Performing Surface Root Removal
If you absolutely must get rid of those roots and you’re wondering how to remove above-ground tree roots, it’s best to call a pro. Cutting the wrong roots can damage the tree or cause it to become unstable and fall.
Still want to give DIY root pruning a try? Choose high-quality root cutting tools, such as a hatchet or chainsaw for large roots and gardening shears for smaller ones. Disinfect your tools with a diluted bleach solution before working.
Only cut roots that are a few inches in diameter or less. Cutting larger branches can prevent the tree from taking in water and nutrients, which’ll kill it quickly.
Call the Pros for Root Pruning Today
Stop wondering how to get rid of above-ground tree roots and call our experts instead. Our professional tree care company in Austin will artfully apply mulch over exposed roots, or if removal if necessary, extract those troublesome roots without causing soil erosion or hurting the tree.
Call Wilder Tree Company at (512) 729-8733 to schedule tree service in Austin now.