Above ground tree roots - Ask Extension
As my ash and red maple trees have grown over the last 18 years, their roots have gotten larger and more pronounced above ground, especially near the ...
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Above ground tree roots #878839
Asked July 26, 2024, 9:04 AM EDT
As my ash and red maple trees have grown over the last 18 years, their roots have gotten larger and more pronounced above ground, especially near the trunk. In one case, some roots are above ground extending 12 feet from the tree trunk. Is this due to the subsoil being hard pan clay or ? The lawn where these trees are located has never been watered except by mother nature.
Scott County Minnesota
Expert Response
Surface roots are very common for maples. It is also a response to the condition you suggest as well as erosion.
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/2024/05/28/how-to-deal-with-surface-tree-roots/
https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/FNR/FNR-585-W.pdf
The solution I like is a shade bed underneath the tree and shade loving plants and mulch. It looks nice and provides the tree with extra moisture.
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/2024/05/28/how-to-deal-with-surface-tree-roots/
https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/FNR/FNR-585-W.pdf
The solution I like is a shade bed underneath the tree and shade loving plants and mulch. It looks nice and provides the tree with extra moisture.
