Tree roots

   / Tree roots #1  

jcummins

Veteran Member
Joined
Jan 14, 2007
Messages
1,637
Location
Creal Springs, IL
Tractor
Kubota M7040, F3680, Mule Pro Fxt
Ive got a few trees like this in the yard. Are the tree roots growing up out of the ground or has the dirt eroded?
 
   / Tree roots #3  
I think it's the people that caused the trees to move Westward. For decades now I've traveled to Arizona for business. Thirty plus years ago, Phoenix has little pollen problems but now, after a lot of retirees from the East coast moved to AZ and started to plant the trees they are used to see. Phoenix has pollen problems left and right. I've seen similar issues in Colorado, New Mexico etc..

To the OP,
Unless you are growing a few species that will form root knees such as cypress, if your roots show and your trees are not leaning over, it is likely soil erosion.
 
Last edited:
   / Tree roots #4  
No pictures, but I know what you mean as I have the same situation.
In some cases I think it is erosion (or soil compaction?) (Or even frost heaves?).
In other cases, the wind, has made the tree lean over the years and raises the roots on the prevailing wind side. (Or similarly, if one side of the tree has committed hari-kari and is now unbalanced. I have an apple tree that has done this 4-5 times. )
In other cases.....???? (The underground mole people "raisin' the roof'?)
 
   / Tree roots #5  
Depending on type of tree and size, they could simply be growing bigger.

Pretty common for hardwoods like beech, oak, and maple to have the roots showing for several feet (sometimes with some buttress or flare). Basically, if you want the tree to stay healthy, leave it alone. Don't try to cover with dirt, piling mulch on them can even be worse, but mulching between them is probably OK. Yes it makes it a pain to mow.
 

Tractor & Equipment Auctions

2008 Ford F-750 Warren 2,000 Gallon Water Truck (A48081)
2008 Ford F-750...
2000 INTERNATIONAL 4300 17FT ROLLBACK TRUCK (A51222)
2000 INTERNATIONAL...
2012 Ram 3500 Crew Cab 8FT. Flatbed Truck (A48081)
2012 Ram 3500 Crew...
2022 Club Car Tempo Golf Cart (A48082)
2022 Club Car...
2018 KMC 3386 Peanut Combine (A50490)
2018 KMC 3386...
UNUSED 2-Pack Yellow Outdoor Patio Fabric Screen (A50860)
UNUSED 2-Pack...
 
Top