Is it better, for instance, to cover tree roots or leave them alone?
Should You Cover Your Tree Roots Above Ground?
No, you should notcover the trees roots.
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according to Eric North, a certified arborist and urban forestry program manager at the Arbor Day Foundation.
All the more reason not to cover your trees roots.
In cases such as these, you could add some soil to cover any newly exposed roots.
Want more gardening tips?
Dont Cut Your Tree Roots
But above all, dont trim your trees roots.
Avoid trimming, cutting, or removing tree roots when the tree is young or old.
What to Do Instead
Its normal for roots to want to be near the soils surface.
Are Exposed Roots a Sign of Good or Poor Tree Health?
Above-ground roots are not necessarily indicators of tree health, North says.
However, they can be a reasonable indicator of soil conditions.
Surface roots frequently form when soils are heavily compacted or there is a high-water table, North says.
Both situations can impact your trees ability to gather water and nutrients.
Are Some Trees More Prone to Above Soil Roots?
Yes, some tree species are genetically prone to producing shallow roots, North says.