Ag Line: Surface Roots in Lawns
By Wade Parker

I was walking through my lawn the other afternoon looking at all of the unsightly winter weeds! In my yard I have henbit, chickweed, and dandelions everywhere. However, as I was walking, I noticed several large roots on the surface of my lawn. Several years ago, I planted eight silver maple shade trees. I personally think silver maples are some of the prettiest trees a homeowner can plant. However, a major negative of silver maples is the shallow rooting system. Not only did one tree have roots showing, but all eight had roots that were exposed. At the time of planting, I had no idea that silver maples were going to create "speed bumps" as I attempted to mow the lawn.

Much to the dismay of homeowners, trees sometimes develop roots on the soil's surface. Not only do roots look unsightly, they can be hazardous. The majority of tree roots are only 8-12 inches deep. Just as the trunk of the tree grows in diameter with age, so do the roots. In other words, some of the shallow, older roots of the tree will naturally enlarge to the surface.

Unfortunately, once the roots appear on the surface, there is little that can be done to remedy the situation without damaging the tree. I do not recommend cutting the roots! When you prune off the visible roots, the damage to the roots cut off nutrients and moisture that are vital to the tree's survival.

Our options for dealing with surface roots are very limited. The following describe some factors that may cause roots to develop near the soil's surface and how we may be able to handle them.

1. Compacted or heavy clay soils. Tight, heavy soils contain very little oxygen; therefore, root growth is restricted largely to the soil's surface where oxygen is present. To reduce compaction, loosen the soil around the tree's roots, if possible. If trees are growing in lawns, aerate these areas to relieve soil compaction and increase soil oxygen levels.

2. Waterlogged soils. Waterlogged soils have very little oxygen available for proper root growth and development. The oxygen that is available is located near the soil's surface; thus, roots often develop at or near the surface. If soils become waterlogged, reduce watering and improve the drainage; avoid planting young trees in overly wet locations.

3. Light or shallow irrigation. Plants growing in or near lawns that are not deeply watered often develop shallow roots near the soil's surface. Apply enough water to thoroughly wet the soil to a depth of six to eight inches. In the absence of plentiful rainfall, applying one inch of water weekly to lawns should supply ample moisture to the proper depth.

4. Natural growth tendency. Some trees and shrubs just naturally develop shallow roots near the soil's surface. Examples of plants that develop shallow root systems include alders, elms, figs, honey locusts, mulberries, poplars, maples, sycamores, and willows. Do not plant these or other shallow rooted trees in or near lawn areas.

As you can see, there are a few cultural management practices that can be performed to help us deal with shallow roots. The main thing to remember is to plant a species of tree that is adaptable to your situation and soil type. Please call the Jenkins County Extension Office if you have further questions.

Jenkins County Extension Calendar of Events

February 6-7 - Conservation Tillage Workshop

February 20 (Tuesday) - Farm Bill Information Meeting, 8:30 a.m. - Statesboro

February 22 (Thursday) - Farmer Appreciation Supper, 7:00 p.m. - Ag Center

February 23 (Friday) - Peanut Meeting, 12:00 p.m. - Ag Center

February 26 (Monday) - Cotton Meeting, 12:00 p.m. - Ag Center

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