Roots are the anchors that keep the trees grounded to the soil and provide nutrition to them. The fundamental structure of the root is that they protrude outward and downward direction. No matter how much you adore the beauty of mangrove trees with their roots opening out of the soil, exposed roots can be detrimental and destructive for your trees. Let’s dig in more to know about the exposed tree roots.

Dealing with Exposed Tree Roots

Why are Exposed Tree Roots a Problem?

When the soil above the tree’s root gets eroded, they are exposed to the outer environment. The exposed roots might seem natural, but they diminish the nutrient absorption activity of the trees. If left untreated for long, the exposed roots can be damaged and render the tree vulnerable to insects, disease, and, possibly, death.

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How Do Roots Become Exposed?

The most prevalent cause of a tree developing exposed roots is the erosion or attrition of soil cover from the tree roots. It may be due to a myriad of reasons like continuous rain, harsh winds, exposed runoff, or even scarcity of sunlight for longer duration can also lead to the wearing of soil from roots. However, the tree roots do not get exposed in a day. As they are firmly embedded in the earth, it takes perpetual occurrences of rain, winds, etc. for the soil to erode. Thus, one should keep a watch over the roots if you observe the symptoms of your tree roots getting exposed after heavy rain, storm, or clustering of other trees or constructions that are likely to deprive your tree roots of enough sunlight.

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What Do I Do if Roots are Exposed?

If you observe any exposed tree roots in your lawn or garden, ensure to take a few crucial steps to prevent damage to your tree.

  • Refrain from using lawn tools as the exposed roots are vulnerable and can be easily damaged. It might render them even more inefficient to absorb nutrition from the soil.
  • Scatter mulch evenly over the exposed roots to provide them with insulation and cushion from external stress. Organic materials like pine, straw, shredded wood, and bark nuggets are excellent choices for mulching.
  • Restrict any mowing activity in the close periphery of the exposed roots
  • If you want an alternative to mulching, opt for plant ground cover by filling new soil and plant Periwinkle, Asiatic, Wild Violets, Jasmine, Monkey grass, and Ajuga around the exposed roots to cease further erosion.

By taking care of exposed roots, you’ll ensure that the trees in your yard will live long, healthy lives.

Contact Treescape

For more information and reliable service to tend your tree needs, you can visit Treescape. Call 704-598-6641 (Charlotte) or 704-867-4100 (Gastonia) to set up an appointment.

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