What to Do with Tree Roots Growing Above Ground

As Connecticut lawns hit their summer stride and grasses are greener than ever, the thick rope-like roots extending from your tree and snaking across your yard are hard to miss. But what does it actually mean when you see tree roots above ground and what should you do about it?

Exposed tree roots throughout Fairfield and New Haven Counties are not just an eyesore, they can cause a lot of problems for the tree itself, property maintenance, and anyone not paying attention when walking through your lawn. The good news? Many root problems can be prevented or solved cost-effectively when you understand what causes them and how to address them properly.

Key Takeaways

• Most tree roots grow in the top four to twenty inches of soil, making surface exposure common in Connecticut’s challenging clay soils and weather conditions.
• Common causes of exposed tree roots in Connecticut include inadequate space, compacted soil, tree age, and more.
• Certain tree species, like maples, poplars, and willows, are more prone to developing surface roots, making proper tree selection (and location) crucial for new plantings.
• Never cut, bury, or pave over exposed roots – these costly mistakes can kill your tree and rack up unnecessary expenses.

Tree Roots: What They Do & How They Grow

A tree’s roots are its lifeline – whether they’re growing down into the earth or spreading across the surface. Roots serve two important purposes: to seek out water and nutrients from the soil to support growth, and to act as an anchor that holds the entire structure strong and steady. As a tree grows and matures, roots extend in all directions to absorb the necessary components needed to thrive.

Did you know that most tree roots grow between four and twenty inches deep? In that range, the roots find the right ratio of oxygen, moisture, and nutrients to support healthy growth. And, although a tree’s drip line (the edges of the leafy canopy) is generally considered the edge of its root zone, most trees have roots that extend far beyond that.

The bottom line: you can’t expect tree roots to stay within a confined perimeter or only grow in a certain direction. If the roots find the nutrients and moisture they’re looking for just outside the drip zone or closer to the surface, they’ll continue to reach in that direction.

Common Causes of Exposed Tree Roots in Connecticut

Like other tree woes, there are several reasons your tree may be growing roots above ground.

Roots Don’t Have Adequate Space

When trees are planted in small areas (or too shallow), their roots don’t have the space they need to expand naturally. To find the necessary water and nutrients, the roots will begin to grow out of the soil and spread along the surface.

Soil Compaction

Compacted soil is exactly what it sounds like — soil that has been compressed and condensed over time whether from foot traffic, heavy machinery, and even wind or rain:

Environmental Conditions

Over time, natural rainfall compacts the soil. And when soil becomes compacted, it forms a crust-like consistency that doesn’t absorb water. Instead of soaking into the ground and nourishing the tree roots, water runs off compacted soil, leaving those underground roots thirsty and malnourished.

Rain does more than just condense the soil; it also erodes and washes away loose topsoil, which exposes roots that were previously covered. In addition to rain, wind can indirectly impact root health as well by blowing looser soil out and away from the base of the tree, leaving roots bare.

Heavy Traffic Areas

If a tree’s roots are growing in areas that are used by pedestrians, vehicles, or both, surface soil will wear away and become compacted from use.

Impervious Surfaces Surrounding the Tree

While roots technically can access water and nutrients below impenetrable surfaces like concrete or asphalt, it’s not an easy feat. Searching for sustenance, the larger, main roots may push out tiny feeder roots that grow into the narrow space between asphalt and substrate.

Over time, these little roots grow and expand, and because they’re already closer to the surface, they will eventually push through whatever material was paved there, leading to hazards and infrastructure damage.

Tree Age

As a tree grows and matures, its root system spreads out and extends to continue the search for water and nutrients to support the growing tree. But they don’t just grow out, roots of older trees expand in diameter, too, becoming tough and woody so they can accommodate the larger, denser tree.

Even a smaller root growing near the soil’s surface will break through as it becomes thicker; and if the soil surrounding the base of the tree is eroding or getting compacted, the root will reach the surface even sooner.

Tree Species

Sometimes, exposed roots are a symptom of a specific kind of tree and the environmental conditions they’ve grown with and adapted to. Certain species are more prone to this issue because of their tendency to develop shallower root systems to anchor themselves to our clay-heavy soil.

In Fairfield and New Haven Counties (and all across Connecticut), we frequently see exposed root issues with:

• Maples (Acer): While it differs slightly among the different sub-species, many maple varieties naturally develop dense, shallow, and fibrous root systems. These help the trees find water and nutrients in shallow and rocky soils.
• Poplars (Populus): Known to thrive in moist conditions, poplar trees usually grow near water. As a result, their roots don’t need to extend downward in search of nutrients and may instead develop closer to the surface of the soil.
• Willows (Salix): Another tree species that prefers moisture, willows have wide-reaching and extensive root systems that grow nearer to the soil’s surface.

Why Are Exposed Tree Roots a Problem?

Tree roots growing above ground aren’t just unsightly, they cause a handful of issues. And not just for the tree, but for both pedestrians who may trip over the protrusions and lawn equipment that could be damaged by the hearty wood.

Tree Roots Are Easily Damaged

A root’s sole job is to branch out in search of water and nutrients to transport it throughout the entire structure. When roots are damaged, the tree becomes stressed, which can lead to branch and leaf damage.

Regardless of where the damage comes from – foot traffic, vehicles driving over or parking on exposed roots, lawn mowers and other garden tools – injured roots become compromised and as such, threaten the health of the entire tree.

Damaged Roots Are Vulnerable to Diseases & Insects

Like a bark wound, an injured root creates an easy opening for insects and diseases to reach and attack the innermost vulnerable parts of the tree. Depending on type, severity, and the length of time untreated, this can lead to expensive tree problems that might require tree removal.

Exposed Roots Can Harm Equipment & Pedestrians

From tripping hazards to eating away at the blade in your mower, tree roots growing above ground cause their fair share of damage, too. Then, you not only have to pay to help your tree, but you must replace or repair equipment or even foot medical bills if someone is seriously injured from a fall.

How to Fix Exposed Tree Roots

So, what do you do? You can’t ignore the problem, but you also can’t grab a chainsaw and start hacking away at the thick and woody roots running through your grass. The first step in fixing the issue is understanding why your tree is pushing out roots above ground.

While there is a chance that the issue points back to something you can fix, it’s equally possible that there is no one cause and thus nothing you can change. In those cases, it may be best to simply remove the tree if the exposed roots are a problem.

What Never to Do With Exposed Roots: Costly Mistakes That Kill Trees

Exposed roots are a serious issue, but rushing to fix them without the right guidance can do more harm than good. Before you take action, here are some of the most common (and costly) mistakes to avoid.

Bury the Roots with More Soil

A tree that is already well-established and growing should never have the soil level around its roots changed. Burying roots may hide them from your view, but it also suffocates them – killing them off and causing stress to your tree. When you kill roots, you cut off the established lifeline of water and nutrients that the tree depends on.

Pave Over Them

Paving over exposed tree roots may seem like an effective solution, but it is really only a band-aid over a bigger problem. While the roots might not die right away, paving over them will likely stress the tree. Over time, those roots continue to grow and expand, eventually lifting and cracking the concrete.

Similarly, if the stress of the paving does cause the tree to die, the roots will rot and die, which can also cause the concrete to settle and possibly crack.

Cut Roots Off or Back

You should never cut exposed tree roots. Don’t be fooled by tough, woody roots that appear to be dead. Despite how they look, all those roots are alive and never go dormant. And an exposed root cut is like a badly pruned branch; it can’t recover.

Cover Roots Beneath a Mulch Volcano

Mulch is an important part of a healthy garden, but only when it’s in the right place and has been applied properly. Never pile mulch up around the base of the trunk to hide exposed roots – mulch volcanoes are one of the leading causes of tree death!

Instead, so long as your tree is growing in a planting bed, ensure your mulch is spread out in an even layer surrounding the trunk – no more than a couple inches thick. If your tree is spreading out roots across your lawn, however, applying mulch is far less practical.

Disguise Exposed Roots Under a New Planting Bed

Keep any new planting areas at the tree’s drip line or beyond. Digging in the important root zone around a tree is extremely damaging and can kill the tree. Plus, adding new plants around an existing tree creates competition for water and important nutrients.

Professional Solutions for Exposed Tree Roots That Actually Work

There are a couple ways you can go about treating your exposed root issue: cover them (correctly!) with mulch and/or fix the compacted soil.

Cover Exposed Roots with a Layer of Organic Mulch

This is a good solution when the lawn growing beneath the tree’s canopy is struggling. A tidy, even circle of organic mulch spread beneath a tree’s crown is an easy way to resolve tree root and grass conflict. The mulch will kill the grass and protect the roots; just make sure you don’t mulch too close to the trunk.

Fix Compacted Soil

Compacted soil is a major cause of both exposed tree roots and overall poor tree health.

If you have compacted soil, it’s best to have it repaired professionally. The best (and least damaging) way to improve this issue is to use an AirSpade around a tree’s roots to loosen the soil, incorporate compost to add nutrients, and then fill it back in.

Ideally, you’d then spread a layer of wood chip mulch out to the drip line to eliminate future compaction. Or compromise with a mulch ring around the tree with grass seed (or sod) farther away.

SUMMER PLANNING TIP: While September through November is optimal for major root work, summer is perfect for assessment and planning. Use these warmer months to document problem areas, research solutions, and schedule fall services before the rush begins.

How to Prevent Roots from Growing Above Ground

While root barriers – an underground structure that blocks the roots from growing in a certain direction – can act as a temporary fix, they won’t fully address the issue. These structures might redirect the growth of some roots, but they won’t help with underlying root problems or directly affect the roots that are already exposed.

Plus, the process of excavating the soil to bury a root barrier can actually have a reverse effect and encourage roots to grow in the area because the soil is loose, and the nutrients are more accessible.

There are, however, some things you can do to limit the likelihood of roots growing upward and breaking through the soil:

• Plant the right tree in the right place. Trying to fit a big tree in a small planting area ensures future root problems. Choose the right tree species for your soil and the size of your garden or lawn. Need direction in choosing that perfect tree? We’re here to help.
• Water your tree properly. Roots grow in search of water, so make sure to irrigate your trees “low and slow” so water soaks down into the soil. The roots will follow the water.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tree Roots Above Ground in Connecticut

Can I do anything about exposed roots right now, or do I have to wait until fall?

Though major soil work should wait for cooler weather, there are a handful of things you can do this summer:

• Apply two to three inches of organic mulch around (not against) the trunk
• Adjust your irrigation to deep, infrequent watering
• Mark hazardous roots for safety
• Most importantly, schedule your fall assessment now – Certified Arborists book up quickly for optimal fall planting and soil work.

How long does it take for exposed roots to damage my tree?

Tree damage from exposed roots develops gradually over two to five years. Initially, you’ll notice increased susceptibility to drought stress and pest problems. Within three to four years, you may see branch dieback, and severely damaged root systems can kill mature trees within five to seven years. Early intervention is always more cost-effective than waiting.

Should I hire an arborist or can my landscaper handle exposed root problems?

While landscapers can install mulch around roots, proper diagnosis and soil remediation require Certified Arborist expertise. Connecticut law requires tree work over fifteen feet to be supervised by a CT Licensed Arborist. For root problems that could affect tree health, always consult an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist first to avoid costly mistakes.

How do I know if my exposed roots problem requires tree removal?

Tree removal becomes necessary when:

• More than thirty percent of the root zone is exposed
• Major structural roots are severely damaged
• The exposed roots safety risk outweighs the tree’s value

Our Certified Arborists can perform a tree risk assessment to determine if your tree can be saved or if removal is the safest option.

Don’t Let Summer Gatherings Become Liability Nightmares: Call Rayzor’s Edge for Exposed Root Removal

That big woody root that your guests or kids keep tripping over isn’t going to fix itself. Fortunately, our Certified Arborists offer professional tree removal and stump grinding services to eliminate the hazard and restore beauty to your lawn.

Call the professional team at Rayzor’s Edge Tree Service at 203-258-5584 for exposed tree root solutions so you can get back to what matters most: enjoying another perfect Connecticut summer.