| By :
Eva Judge
It's a problem that many homeowners are all too familiar: unsightly surface roots that develop around the base of large, old trees. Your first instinct may be to grab an ax and hack them away; doing so can kill the tree and create other problems. Learn how to manage surface roots and make them work to your advantage by reading on below. Why Surface Roots Develop - Roots can develop for a number of different reasons. Some of these include: Genetics - One of the leading causes of surface roots is genetics; some tress are simply destined to develop these types of roots, and no amount of planning or preparation can help the situation. Even if you make accommodations for all of the other causes; if a tree on your property is pre-programmed by its genetics to develop them, you're not going to have a whole lot of luck. Poor Soil Conditions - Most landscape gardeners will tell you that poor soil conditions are among the top reasons for roots growing on the surface. Poor soil conditions can be caused by many different factors, and present themselves in a number of different ways. Some of the poor soil conditions that cause surface roots include:
Toxins - At times, toxins in the soil can prompt the development of roots. If the toxins aren't causing other problems, though, then they aren't really cause for concern. Compacted Soil - Soil that is too compact can cause the large roots of a mature tree to poke out of the ground.
Low Oxygen Content - Soil that is starved for oxygen can cause roots. It is ideal for the soil around a tree to be loose enough to allow oxygen to circulate easily. Too Much - or Too Little - Water - Soil that is overly dry can crumble, allowing a tree's feeder roots to come to the surface. At the same time, soil that is watered too much can sink down, causing a similar problem.
Erosion - Sometimes, soil simply erodes away, revealing the roots of a tree. Strategies for Managing Surface Roots - While you can't safely eliminate surface roots, and should only prune them away when they may be causing severe damage to structures on your property, you can use creative landscaping to mask the problem. There are a number of options you could implement. For example; loose bark chunks or mulch can be used to cover up these roots; remember not to use too much of it, or you could harm the tree. Another superb idea is to build a retaining wall around the base of a tree that has exposed roots. Fill it with mulch and a plant bed, and you not only cover up unsightly roots - you add an attractive element to your home's outdoor landscaping, as well.
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