Steve Nix is a member of the Society of American Foresters and a former forest resources analyst for the state of Alabama. Tree root systems are seldom on the minds of forest owners, tree planters, ...

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 ...

We don’t often think about the roots of trees until there is a problem. A forester friend of mine called it a “fencepost mentality.” Being underground, they are often out of sight out of mind. However ...

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 ...

Much to the dismay of homeowners, landscape trees sometimes grow roots on top of the surface of the lawn or possibly even buckle sidewalks and driveways. These surface roots can be quite a nuisance to ...