Have you ever strolled through your yard and stumbled – literally – across a network of tree roots snaking their way above the soil’s surface? These exposed tree roots, particularly when they’re close to your house, can be more than just an aesthetic nuisance. They can pose a real threat to your property, your safety, and even the health of your trees. Many homeowners find themselves grappling with this issue, unsure of the causes or the best way to address it. This article will delve into the reasons why tree roots grow above ground near houses, explore the potential problems they can create, and offer practical solutions for homeowners looking to protect their homes and maintain healthy, beautiful trees.
Understanding the Underground Network
Before we address the problem of tree roots above ground near houses, it’s crucial to understand the fundamental role these underground structures play. Tree roots are far more than just anchors. They are the lifeline of the tree, responsible for absorbing water and vital nutrients from the soil. This water and these nutrients are then transported throughout the tree, fueling its growth and ensuring its survival. While many envision a single, deep taproot, the reality is that most trees rely on a network of lateral roots that spread outwards, often close to the surface. Understanding this basic principle helps to explain why you see tree roots above ground near house. Tree roots seek out oxygen and water and the surface is often the place to find it.
Why Roots Surface: Unearthing the Causes
Several factors can contribute to the development of tree roots above ground near houses. It’s rarely a single cause, but rather a combination of environmental conditions and tree characteristics that lead to this phenomenon. Let’s examine some of the most common culprits.
Soil Compaction: A Concrete Problem
One of the primary reasons tree roots above ground near house is due to soil compaction. Soil, when healthy, is a porous environment, filled with air pockets that allow roots to breathe and easily expand. However, construction activities, repeated foot traffic, vehicles parked on the lawn, and even heavy rainfall can compress the soil, squeezing out the air and making it difficult for roots to penetrate. In compacted soil, the roots have to choose the path of least resistance, so they tend to spread horizontally along the surface, where the soil is less dense.
The Lack of Depth: Shallow Soil
Just as a building requires a solid foundation, tree roots need sufficient soil depth to develop properly. If the topsoil layer is shallow, due to underlying bedrock, hardpan (a dense, impermeable layer of soil), or simply a lack of soil depth, the roots have no choice but to spread outwards near the surface. This is especially common in newer developments where topsoil may have been removed or heavily disturbed during construction. These cases are hard to fix because nature forces the tree to grow this way.
The Unseen Hand of Erosion
Erosion, the gradual wearing away of topsoil, can also expose tree roots over time. Rain, wind, and runoff can wash away the soil around the base of the tree, leaving the roots vulnerable. Poor drainage can exacerbate erosion, as standing water can further weaken the soil structure. You will notice the tree roots above ground near house that are exposed due to erosion usually appear on a slope or on the side of a house where the gutters dump water.
Nature’s Design: Tree Species
Some tree species are simply more prone to developing surface roots than others. Silver maples, willows, poplars, and beeches are notorious for their aggressive surface roots. This is simply part of their genetic makeup and growth habit. When selecting trees to plant near your house, it’s important to research the growth characteristics of different species to avoid future problems. Planting the wrong species is a common reason to find tree roots above ground near house.
The Error of Our Ways: Improper Planting
The way a tree is initially planted can have a significant impact on its root development. Planting a tree too shallowly, where the root flare (the point where the trunk widens into the roots) is not properly exposed, can lead to shallow root growth. Similarly, girdling roots, which are roots that circle the trunk and constrict its growth, can also force other roots to the surface. It’s crucial to ensure that the root ball is properly prepared and that any girdling roots are corrected at the time of planting.
Watering Wisely: Practices that Matter
Watering practices, even with good intentions, can also contribute to the problem. Frequent, shallow watering encourages roots to grow near the surface in search of readily available moisture. Deeper, less frequent watering, on the other hand, encourages roots to grow downwards, seeking out water deeper in the soil profile. Be careful of your watering habits if you find tree roots above ground near house and are trying to fix it.
Proximity Challenges: Structural Boundaries
The proximity of trees to structures like foundations, sidewalks, and driveways can also influence root growth. Roots naturally seek out water and nutrients, and they may be diverted by these structures, forcing them to grow upwards or outwards along the surface.
Potential Problems: The Ripple Effect of Exposed Roots
Tree roots above ground near house can create a host of problems, affecting both your property and the health of the tree itself. These problems need to be addressed as soon as you spot them.
Damage to Your Domain: Property Damage
One of the most significant concerns is the potential for property damage. Growing tree roots can exert tremendous pressure, cracking sidewalks, driveways, and patios. They can also infiltrate underground pipes and cables, causing costly repairs. The risk of foundation damage is often debated, but in some cases, aggressive root growth can contribute to foundation problems, particularly if the foundation is already weakened.
A Tripping Hazard: Safety Concerns
Exposed roots create uneven surfaces and potential tripping hazards, posing a risk to family members, visitors, and even yourself. This is particularly problematic for children, the elderly, or individuals with mobility issues.
Mowing Mayhem: Lawn Care Challenges
Mowing the lawn becomes a tedious and frustrating task when you have to navigate around exposed roots. Mowers can easily be damaged by hitting roots, and the uneven surface can lead to an uneven cut.
An Eyesore: Aesthetic Impact
Exposed roots can detract from the overall aesthetic appeal of your yard. A well-manicured lawn is often a point of pride for homeowners, and unsightly roots can disrupt that sense of order and beauty.
Indirect Tree Health Impacts
While exposed roots themselves may not directly kill a tree, they can make it more vulnerable to injury. Lawn mowers, foot traffic, and extreme temperatures can damage exposed roots, creating entry points for disease and insect infestations.
Solutions and Management: Taking Action
Fortunately, there are several strategies you can implement to manage and address the problem of exposed tree roots.
Prevention is Key: Proactive Measures
The best approach is to prevent the problem from occurring in the first place. This starts with proper tree selection. Choose tree species that are less prone to developing surface roots. Proper planting techniques are also essential. Ensure that the tree is planted at the correct depth and that any girdling roots are corrected. Soil improvement is also important. Add organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to improve drainage and aeration.
Addressing the Roots That Are There: Corrective Measures
For existing exposed roots, several options are available, with mulching being the most beneficial and least disruptive.
The Magic of Mulch: Mulching for Success
Mulching is one of the most effective and least invasive ways to address exposed roots. A layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or shredded bark, helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weed growth. It also creates a more hospitable environment for roots, encouraging them to grow downwards. When mulching, be sure to avoid piling the mulch against the tree trunk, as this can lead to rot.
A Thin Veil: Covering with Soil
In some cases, adding a thin layer of soil (topsoil or compost) over the exposed roots may be an option. However, this should be done with caution, as too much soil can suffocate the roots. Limit the layer to a few inches and monitor the tree’s health closely. This method is best suited for roots exposed by erosion.
The Pruning Choice: Root Pruning (Proceed with Caution)
Root pruning, the process of cutting back tree roots, should only be considered as a last resort and should always be performed by a certified arborist. Improper root pruning can destabilize the tree, making it more susceptible to windthrow. It can also stress the tree and increase its susceptibility to disease. If root pruning is necessary, focus on smaller, non-structural roots and avoid cutting large, structural roots. It is generally ill advised to prune tree roots above ground near house yourself.
Subterranean Shields: Root Barriers
Root barriers are physical barriers that are buried in the ground to prevent roots from spreading into unwanted areas. These barriers can be effective in protecting sidewalks, driveways, and underground utilities.
Embrace the Roots: Landscaping Options
Sometimes, the best approach is to accept the exposed roots and incorporate them into your landscaping design. You can build raised beds around the roots, create rock gardens, or use ground cover plants to soften the appearance of the roots.
Calling in the Experts: When to Seek Professional Help
Certain situations warrant the expertise of a certified arborist. You should consult an arborist if you are considering root pruning, if you have concerns about tree stability, if large, structural roots are growing near your foundation, if you notice signs of tree health problems, or if you are simply unsure about the best course of action.
In Conclusion: A Balanced Approach
Tree roots above ground near house is a common problem with a variety of causes. By understanding these causes and implementing preventative measures, homeowners can minimize the risk of this problem. When exposed roots do occur, a combination of mulching, careful soil management, and, when necessary, professional consultation can help protect your property and maintain healthy, beautiful trees. Remember, a balanced approach that considers both the health of your trees and the integrity of your property is key to finding the best solution.
