Seeing thick, knobby roots rising through your lawn doesn't exactly instill confidence. It might seem like something’s wrong with your tree, or the soil beneath it. The good news is, exposed roots aren’t always a problem, but they’re not something to ignore either. They're a trip hazard (especially those roots around my kid's playhouse), they can damage landscape equipment, indicate poor soil conditions, and if left alone, they can lead to damage both above and below ground.
Why Tree Roots Start Showing
Roots don’t usually aim to show up on the soil surface, it happens for good reason! They’re in search of water sources and oxygen, and most of that lives in the top inches of soil. When the surface soil gets packed down or there's soil erosion (or when grass and roots fight for space), shallow roots slowly rise up. Over time, they may poke out above the layer of grass.
You’ll see this more in older mature trees, especially ones planted in clay or compacted soil or yards with lots of foot traffic. Rain water runoff can also cause soil erosion and expose roots that were once buried. This doesn’t mean your tree is unhealthy, but it does mean you need to look at what’s happening around it.
Is a Tree Healthy if Its Roots Are Showing?
Healthy trees can still have exposed roots. Roots above ground don’t always signal disease, decay, or poor tree health. But they can be a warning that the soil conditions around the tree aren’t great. If roots are sticking up due to soil compaction or because of a thin layer of soil, it puts stress on the entire tree over time.
Root damage is another issue. If lawn mower blades, foot traffic, or pets are regularly hitting those roots, they can get a lot of damage over time. And once they’re damaged, the tree has a harder time taking in water and soil nutrients. That’s when you might start to see signs of poor health... drooping leaves, leaf dieback, dead branches, or slowed growth.
So yes, your tree might still be fine for now. But it’s worth taking a closer look at root-related issues.
What You Can Do to Help
You don’t need to cut roots just because they’re exposed; in fact, that can cause more potential issues than good. Instead, focus on protecting them. The goal is to create a safer, more stable environment for both the tree and your yard.
Here are a few things that can help:
- Add a layer of mulch (2-4 inches thick layer) over the surface tree roots to protect them and hold moisture... but don't suffocate them! Heavier coverage or dense soil around tree roots can suffocate roots.
- Keep foot traffic off the root zone by redirecting pathways or adding stepping stones
- Avoid using a lawn mower or string trimmer near exposed roots
- If above-ground roots are causing serious lawn problems, consult an arborist for a tree consultation before cutting anything
These small changes go a long way in making strong, healthier trees without needing to dig anything up.
FAQ
Can exposed roots crack sidewalks or damage foundations?
They can, but it depends on the species of tree, tree age, and how close it's planted to a structure. Most roots grow outward, not down, so they’re more likely to lift paved surfaces like sidewalks or driveways than crack foundations. If you notice raised concrete near a tree, the likely cause is an underlying issue with roots.
Can I cut tree roots that are showing above the lawn surface?
It’s risky. Cutting roots—especially major tree roots—can harm the tree or make the tree unstable. Only remove roots if they’re causing larger issues, and even then, talk to a professional tree service first.
