Tree Surface Roots

How to Handle Tree Surface Roots Without Harming Your Trees

Got tree roots breaking through your lawn or walkway?
 

If you have large, mature trees on your property, chances are you’ve noticed surface roots showing up over time. These exposed roots can cause a few major problems around your yard:

• Make lawn maintenance difficult

• Create tripping hazards for kids and pets

• Damage sidewalks and driveways

• Hurt your curb appeal

But don’t worry—surface roots are common and manageable. Below, we’ll cover why tree roots come to the surface, what causes them, and the safest ways to fix or prevent the issue without risking your tree’s health.

What Causes Tree Roots to Come to the Surface?

Almost any large tree can develop surface roots as it matures. As trees grow taller, their root systems naturally spread wider to absorb more water and nutrients. However, certain conditions make surface roots much more likely.

1. Tree Species with Shallow Roots

Some tree species are naturally prone to developing shallow root systems.
Common trees known for surface roots include:

• Norway Maple

• Red Maple

• Silver Maple

• Willow

• Aspen

• Pin Oak

• Beech
  
  

If you have one of these species in your yard, surface roots are practically inevitable as the tree grows.

2. Poor or Compacted Soil

Most tree roots exist within the top 12 inches of soil, especially in clay or compacted soils.
In urban or suburban areas like Canyon Lake and New Braunfels, hard-packed soil prevents roots from growing downward. Instead, they spread horizontally and eventually break through the surface.
Rain and wind then erode the soil around them, exposing roots even more.

3. Lack of Oxygen

Tree roots need oxygen to survive. In compacted or waterlogged soil, oxygen levels drop, and roots will grow upward toward the surface to breathe.
So if your tree’s roots are surfacing, it’s not always a sign of poor health—just that your tree is adapting to its environment.

How to Deal With Surface Tree Roots Safely

If your trees already have exposed roots, it’s important to handle the issue gently. Surface roots aren’t always harmful, but cutting or covering them improperly can cause serious damage.

Don’t Cut Surface Tree Roots

It may be tempting to trim the roots sticking out of your yard—but never cut tree roots unless absolutely necessary.
Here’s why:

• It opens pathways for disease and insects

• It weakens the tree’s stability, increasing the risk of falling

• It kills tiny feeder roots that absorb water and nutrients

• It can cause canopy dieback or even tree death
  
  

Instead, focus on improving the soil around the roots and protecting them from further damage.

Topdress Around the Tree Base

One of the best ways to manage surface roots is through topdressing—adding a thin layer of soil and compost around the tree base.

How to Topdress Correctly:

1. Mix equal parts topsoil and compost.
   
   

2. Apply about 2 inches of the mix around the tree’s base.
   
   

3. In late summer, sow shade-tolerant grass seed and keep it watered.
   
   

4. After one year, if roots are still visible, add another 2 inches and reseed.
   
   

This technique helps level your yard and protects roots while still allowing oxygen flow.

Use Mulch to Protect Surface Roots

Another great solution is to cover exposed roots with organic mulch such as wood chips.
Apply about 4 inches of mulch under the tree canopy. This helps:

• Keep the roots cool and moist
  
  

• Prevent further erosion
  
  

• Reduce mowing damage
  
  

Avoid piling mulch against the trunk ("volcano mulching") and don’t exceed 4 inches of depth. Remember, your roots need to breathe!

How to Prevent Tree Roots From Surfacing

If you’re planning to plant new trees, a little planning now can save you future headaches. Follow these tree care best practices to prevent surface root problems down the line.

1. Avoid Shallow-Rooted Tree Species

In heavy clay or compact soil, avoid planting trees known for surface roots such as:

• Aspen

• Beech

• River Birch

• Maple varieties (Red, Silver, Sugar, Freeman, Norway)

• Pin Oak

• Spruce

• Sweetgum

• Tulip Poplar

• Weeping Willow
  
  

2. Choose Deep-Rooted Trees

For fewer root-related issues, select trees with deeper root systems.
Great options include:

• Black Gum

• Blue Atlas Cedar

• Ginkgo

• Sweetgum (American variety)

• Horsechestnut (‘Fort McNair’)

• Oak varieties (Red, White, Willow)

• Yellowwood

• Zelkova
  
  

3. Consider Smaller Trees

Smaller trees—those that mature under 30 feet—rarely develop invasive surface roots.
Beautiful, low-maintenance options include:

• Flowering Cherry

• Dogwood

• Magnolia

• Japanese Maple
  
  

These trees also produce less leaf litter and are easier to manage in tight spaces.

4. Don’t Plant Too Deep

A common misconception is that planting trees deeper will prevent surface roots—it won’t.
Instead, plant trees about two inches above ground level (above grade) to ensure proper drainage and prevent root rot.

5. Give Trees Room to Grow

If planting near sidewalks or driveways, make sure your tree has space to expand.

• Large trees: plant at least 6 feet away from pavement
  
  

• Between sidewalks and streets: ensure 8 feet of open soil width
  Always check for utility lines before planting, and review local city planting guidelines if applicable.
  
  

The Bottom Line: Tree Surface Roots Are Manageable

Surface roots can look messy and make yardwork harder—but they’re not a death sentence for your tree.
In most cases, they’re simply a natural response to the local environment.

By avoiding root cutting and using mulch or topdressing, you can keep your landscape safe, attractive, and healthy for years to come.

Need Help Managing Tree Roots?

If your tree roots are damaging your lawn, driveway, or foundation, don’t risk your tree’s health.
Woodfarm Tree Service specializes in safe, professional tree root care, pruning, and soil management in Canyon Lake, Bulverde, and New Braunfels, TX.

Call today for a free tree health consultation!