Lee Wallender is a home improvement writer of nearly 20 years and specializes in home remodeling, repair and maintenance. Sami Allen is the managing editor at Forbes Home, with over seven years of ...

Q: We excavated a trench for drainage near an oak tree. At the closest point, we are maybe 12 feet from the trunk of the tree. We did not break any roots larger than about 3/4 inch. Will the tree live ...

Large trees often develop surface roots that can damage sidewalks, mower blades, and tree health. Mulch 2–3 inches deep to cover roots safely and reduce maintenance without harming the tree. Never cut ...

Q: I’m hoping you can help us figure out what to do about these tree roots. We don’t know what kind of tree it is, but our neighbor’s tree is the same and the roots are showing above ground just like ...

I’ve had some recent interactions with people frustrated by tree roots that surface, causing mowing difficulties and potential ankle-twisting opportunities. What can be done with surface roots?

Some trees are prone to developing surface roots that can become quite large. These large roots can interfere with mowing, foot traffic or recreational activities. As trees mature, surface roots may ...

Although most roots tend to grow (and stay) underground, sometimes those belonging to trees can make their way to the surface. While this isn’t something you necessarily notice out in the woods ...

This live oak with its mass of surface roots was a poor choice for parkway planting. Neil Sperry Special to the Star-Telegram There’s not one of us who hasn’t been impacted by supply chain issues ...

Q: As you can see from the attached photo, tree roots are surfacing in the lawn, which makes mowing difficult to impossible. Do you have any suggestions? I’m not sure if we should cover them and build ...

Tree roots growing at or slightly above the soil surface are called surface roots. Homeowners having trees with these surface roots are frustrated with the additional challenges posed by mowing and ...