Tree roots emerging from ground - Ask Extension
Hello. We have an 8 year old maple in our front yard. Its roots are beginning to protrude from the ground. We're concerned that the roots will damage ...
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Tree roots emerging from ground #868469
Asked May 14, 2024, 8:42 PM EDT
Hello. We have an 8 year old maple in our front yard. Its roots are beginning to protrude from the ground. We're concerned that the roots will damage our driveway. Is there anything we can do?
Washington County Minnesota
Expert Response
What type of maple is your tree? Could you take a photo of the base of the tree? Thank you.
Hello. Yes. See attached photos. I’m not sure what type of maple it is. It was planted before we bought the house.
On a different subject, I’m wondering if you can tell me anything about how to care for this plant. I just bought it at Costco, but it didn’t have any instructions or even the name of what it is.
Thanks
I can not be certain but the maple in your yard may be a silver maple. Maples are known for having surface roots. They can make growing grass difficult and mowing over them can damage the tree. They are best managed by planting low growing ground cover, such as vinca or pachysandra. Another option is to use a layer of mulch over the area around the tree. I am uncertain if or how the roots may impact your driveway.
I am not familiar with the plant in your photo so cannot give instruction on the care of it.
I am not familiar with the plant in your photo so cannot give instruction on the care of it.
Hi there. What does the ground cover do for the roots? Is there a way to stop the roots from pushing up?
Thanks again.
Following up on this. Thanks.
Hi there. What does the ground cover do for the roots? Is there a way to stop the roots from pushing up?Thanks again.
Following up on this. Thanks.
Hi there. What does the ground cover do for the roots? Is there a way to stop the roots from pushing up?Thanks again.
I apologize for the delay in response to you. Thank you for reaching out again. Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent the roots from pushing up. Maple trees are prone to this. The purpose of the ground cover is to fill in around the tree rather than having grass in the area. Mowing over tree roots can be harmful to the tree.
