Sugar Maple roots presenting in lawn and near stone sidewalk - Ask Extension
My 30 year old sugar maple tree starting growing tree roots in the lawn this year. The lawn mower is scalping the top of the roots, potentially causi...
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Sugar Maple roots presenting in lawn and near stone sidewalk #799165
Asked July 02, 2022, 5:20 PM EDT
My 30 year old sugar maple tree starting growing tree roots in the lawn this year. The lawn mower is scalping the top of the roots, potentially causing damage to the blades. The roots are also growing near a stone sidewalk which I do not want to buckle or be damaged.
What are my options for dealing with the tree roots?
Baltimore County Maryland
Expert Response
Hi!
Maple trees generally have a shallow root system and it is normal for the roots to be visible from the soil surface. We recommend mulching around the tree to protect the tree from lawn equipment as any injury to the root or trunk from a mower blade or string trimmer will allow disease or pests to enter. Mulching will also help the tree to retain moisture and prevent erosion of the soil around the roots. Keep the mulch layer no deeper than 3" and keep mulch off the tree trunk.
Check out our guide to properly mulching a tree
Jamie
