Are Exposed Tree Roots Bad?

Some species - like willows, maples, and bald cypress - grow shallow roots by design. That's how they get their oxygen whilst engulfed in waterlogged ground. In these cases, surface roots help the tree “breathe” and stabilize itself against flooding.

Back on solid ground, some older and mature trees of any species may reveal portions of their anchoring system over years and decades of soil erosion. For many venerable oaks or pines, a few visible roots aren’t a red flag.

It's also worth mentioning the fine feeder roots. When litter is thin or the topsoil is rocky, you might notice hair-thin roots out looking for nutrients and moisture. That’s a normal part of their job.

When Exposed Roots Signal Trouble

Not all root exposure is benign, though. There are many cases where it's worth paying attention or even calling in the tree care specialists from Driscoll:

• If erosion and/or heavy foot traffic strips away protective topsoil, the tree roots can become dangerously exposed. Without soil buffering, roots will dry out, become brittle, and lose their capacity to take up water and nutrients.
• Trees planted too high will often shed soil over time. What starts as a cosmetic hump can leave roots dangerously exposed and vulnerable. This is why trees should be buried at the correct “root flare”
• If your trees are looking flimsy in high winds, then roots that should be anchored deep in the earth may be meandering near the surface. These trees can be more prone to uprooting or splitting at the base.
• Exposed roots lose the natural insulation of soil and become more prone to sunscald in harsh climates, wounds from lawn mowers, and opportunistic fungal infections or insects.

Why You Must Address Exposed Roots

Exposed roots are not necessarily always bad, but you don't know what you've got until you inspect it. If you overlook or shrug off the exposed roots, then you risk:

• Increased Maintenance: Surface roots create tripping hazards, undermine lawns, and complicate mowing or landscaping.
• Safety Hazards: Poorly-anchored trees can fall unexpectedly — even without storms.
• Long-Term Decline: Chronic root stress often sets off a cascade of maladies. What starts as root rot can lead to crown dieback and even premature death.
• Declining Vigor: If feeder roots are threatened, the tree’s canopy may thin, leaf size diminishes, and new growth slows.

There is a lot you can do to address exposed roots. Mulching and aerating the soil, for example, are two simple ways to protect the tree roots and support the tree's growth. Even adjusting your watering technique can help.

When to Consult a Trained Arborist

An arborist is a trained and educated tree care professional, and they can accurately identify species-specific needs, diagnose hidden damage, and recommend targeted treatments. The uniformed specialists at Driscoll Tree Service, for example, can handle everything from proper pruning to a safe tree removal.

Have questions or concerns regarding your tree? Call or message Driscoll Tree Service to get in touch with a member of our team.