What To Do With Tree Roots Above Ground
Seeing tree roots snaking across your lawn or pushing up through mulch can be unsettling. You might be tempted to chop them out, bury them, or cover them with soil — but roots are living, vital parts of the tree. In this article I’ll walk you through practical, humane, and effective ways to deal with tree roots above ground, drawing on years of gardening experience and the lessons I learned the hard way.
Why roots grow above ground
There are several reasons roots surface: compacted or shallow soil, high water table, shallow-rooting species, or simply age and expansion. I’ve seen oak and maple roots climb over sidewalks where soil is thin, and crabapple roots spread across compacted terraces. Understanding the cause helps you choose the right response.
Quick checklist before you act
Before touching a root, pause and ask these questions:
- Is the tree healthy otherwise?
- How large is the exposed root?
- Is it causing a safety hazard or damaging structures like sidewalks or foundations?
- Is there soil compaction or poor drainage in the area?
These answers will guide whether you protect, manage, or carefully remove roots.
Gentle solutions for roots above ground
When roots are an aesthetic issue or a trip hazard, try soft, non-damaging approaches first. Trees tolerate management better than sudden drastic action.
Mulch the area correctly
Mulch is my go-to. Apply a 2–4 inch layer of organic mulch out to the dripline, but never pile it against the trunk. Mulch keeps roots cool, retains moisture, and hides exposed roots while improving soil over time. I learned this the first year I planted a dogwood: a proper mulch ring changed its growth completely.
Create a root-friendly landscape design
Instead of topsoil mounds, use low-maintenance groundcovers, gravel, or stepping stones over shallow roots. Plants like creeping thyme or mondo grass tolerate thin soil and protect roots from foot traffic. Avoid deep digging or installing heavy structures too close to the tree.
Improve soil and drainage
Raised roots often signal compacted soil. Aerate the lawn around the tree carefully — by hand or with a core aerator — and topdress with compost to encourage roots to grow downward. Avoid heavy machinery near the root zone; the damage is often irreversible.
Construct gentle walkways
For safety, build a raised or flexible walkway over roots. I once installed a narrow timber boardwalk in a high-traffic path under a beech tree; it protected the roots and made the area usable without harm.
When roots cause damage or are hazardous
When roots threaten sidewalks, foundations, or create severe trip hazards, more involved solutions may be necessary. Always prioritize tree health and consult an arborist for large or valuable trees.
Root pruning — proceed with caution
Pruning roots can cause stress, reduce stability, and introduce decay. If you must prune, follow these guidelines:
- Prune only small lateral roots, not large structural roots.
- Never remove more than 10–20% of the root system for a mature tree.
- Make clean cuts with sharp tools and keep the cut surface small.
- Consider professional help for roots larger than 2 inches in diameter.
I once had to prune a hazardous root near a driveway; I left the major roots and cut small laterals after consulting an arborist. The tree recovered well when I combined pruning with improved soil and mulching.
Lift or regrade carefully
Raising the grade over roots by more than a few inches can suffocate them. If you need to add soil, keep it minimal and use porous materials. Alternatively, create a decorative retaining edge and add a thin layer of soil for planting shallow-rooted groundcovers.
Structural fixes for sidewalks and pavements
If roots lift pavements, replace rigid surfaces with flexible solutions like permeable pavers, rubber walkways, or stepping stones that can be adjusted as roots grow. For large roots under sidewalks, consult city services; sometimes slabs can be lifted and reset rather than cutting the root.
What not to do
Certain actions do more harm than good. Avoid these mistakes:
- Don’t bury the trunk with soil or mulch volcanoes — this invites rot and pests.
- Don’t remove major roots without professional advice — it can destabilize the tree.
- Don’t compact soil with heavy equipment near the dripline.
“Treat roots with the same respect you give the rest of the tree. They’re not obstacles — they’re life support.”
When to call a pro
If the tree is large, near structures, or the roots are thicker than a couple of inches creating serious hazards, hire a certified arborist. They can assess stability, suggest root barriers, and perform careful root pruning if absolutely necessary. In my experience, a short consultation saved a maple from unnecessary removal and gave us a long-term plan that protected both the tree and the driveway.
Practical step-by-step plan you can use today
Follow these steps to manage exposed roots safely:
- Assess the situation: size, tree health, hazards.
- Mulch exposed roots with a 2–4 inch layer, keeping mulch away from the trunk.
- Improve soil by aeration and topdressing with compost.
- Add low-impact surfacing like stepping stones or groundcover over shallow roots.
- If damage persists, consult an arborist before any major root pruning or excavation.
Final thoughts from my garden
Roots above ground are a natural sign of a living tree adapting to its environment. As a gardener, I try to work with them rather than against them. Most situations respond well to mulch, improved soil, and thoughtful landscaping. Only in rare, hazardous cases do I call a professional to consider careful root pruning or barriers. Treat roots gently, and your trees will reward you with health, shade, and character for years to come.
