The simplest and easiest approach to conceal exposed tree roots is using mulch or a wood byproduct. Start by adding an edging or brick strip three to five inches high around the tree’s perimeter.
Having tree roots above ground in your yard can be a challenge when it comes to landscaping around it. These unsightly roots can ruin the look of your yard and cause a tripping hazard. But with a few simple tips and tricks on how to landscape around a tree with exposed roots, you can create a beautiful landscape that complements the tree. From landscaping with mulch to using larger stones and plants, you can create a stunning landscape that showcases the beauty of the tree and its exposed roots.
If you don’t know how to landscape around a tree with exposed roots, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered! We will help you to transform an exposed root system into an attractive feature in your yard.
Let us explore some ideas for how to landscape around a tree with exposing roots while still creating a beautiful outdoor space.
Table of Contents
What Causes Tree Roots To Become Exposed?
Tree’s roots are usually hidden away from view, but sometimes they can become exposed due to a variety of reasons. Exposed tree roots can be an eyesore and can also lead to problems for the tree, such as destabilization of the tree and damage to sidewalks, patios, and other structures.
Let us elaborate more about the reasons behind exposed tree roots to give you a better understanding!
1. Too Little Soil
The most common cause is too little soil around the exposed root system at the base of the tree. As trees grow, their roots can spread out and become exposed if the soil around them is not deep enough.
Tree roots need to be able to spread out and grow to support the tree and provide it with the nutrients it needs. If the soil is too shallow, the roots will start to become exposed as they reach the surface.
2. Improper Planting Technique
Improved planting techniques can also lead to exposed tree roots. If the hole is too shallow, the roots will not be able to spread out and become exposed.
When planting a tree, it is important to dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Place the tree in the center of the hole and spread the roots evenly around the sides. Backfill the hole with soil and lightly tamp it down to avoid air pockets.
3. Erosion and Construction
In some cases, tree roots may become exposed due to erosion or construction. If soil is removed from around the base of a tree, the roots will be exposed as the soil erodes away. Moreover, root disturbance can occur when soil is tilled or soil compaction happens due to heavy equipment or foot traffic.
How Do You Prevent Exposed Tree Roots?
The best way to prevent exposed tree roots is to provide the tree with proper care and maintenance. This includes watering, fertilizing, and mulching. Let’s break them down one by one!
1. Watering
Watering helps to keep the soil moist and helps to prevent roots from drying out and becoming exposed. If a tree is not getting enough water, its tree surface root may become exposed due to lack of support. By regularly watering the tree, the roots can remain healthy and properly anchored in the soil.
2. Fertilizing
Fertilizing helps to promote healthy root growth and prevent nutrient deficiency. Deep root fertilization can also help to keep the root zone healthy and promote vigorous root growth, which can help to cover and protect exposed roots.
3. Mulching
The roots of the tree can be insulated and cushioned by a layer of mulch, which also reduces soil erosion. Mulching helps to protect the soil from erosion and helps to prevent it from compacting, which can cause tree roots to become exposed. Choose a substance, such as pine straw, that won’t absorb a lot of moisture from the soil around the tree’s base.
4. Proper Tree Planting
The best technique to avoid exposed tree roots is to use a “root-ball” planting method. Start by digging a large hole and placing the entire root-ball (including the soil and roots) into the ground. This allows the tree to settle into the soil, allowing the roots to spread out and grow downward and outward, instead of upward. Additionally, it is important to cover the exposed roots with mulch or soil to help keep them moist and protected.
What Can You Put Around A Tree That Has Exposed Roots?
If you have a tree with exposed roots, you may be looking for ways to improve its appearance and provide protection. Therefore, we recommend you to cover the roots with things that add beauty to the landscape around your tree.
Here are some materials you can put around a tree that has exposed roots:
- Covering exposed roots with mulch helps protect them from extreme temperatures and provides essential nutrients. This is the essential part in caring for exposed roots.
- Protecting those tree roots with stones or gravel provides a protective layer and can also help prevent soil erosion around the tree.
- Adding soil around the tree can help cover up roots and can also help retain moisture in the soil.
- Laying down landscape fabric around the tree can help protect exposed roots and can also help prevent weeds from taking root.
- Placing sod around the tree can provide a more aesthetically pleasing look while also providing protection and moisture to the roots.
How Do You Cover A Tree with Exposed Root?
Trees with exposed roots can be a challenge to cover and can detract from the beauty of a yard. Fortunately, there are several strategies to cover these roots, including mulching, planting ground cover, or creating a raised bed. With the right techniques and materials, it is possible to improve the appearance of a tree with exposed roots and restore its natural beauty. Learn how to deal with exposed tree roots in the following points:
1. Cover Them with Wood Chips or Mulch
The simplest and easiest approach to conceal exposed tree roots is using mulch or a wood byproduct. Start by adding an edging or brick strip three to five inches high around the tree’s perimeter. Once planted, add three to four inches of mulch, or just enough to completely encase the roots.
Mulch does not require edging, but it does help to confine it. To be adequately insulated and protected, whether using a barrier or not, make sure to cover all of the roots. When mulching your tree’s roots, don’t pile it up too high, but make sure you use enough mulch so that it rises above ground level and not below.
2. Add Soil, Sand, or Compost
Adding topsoil to the exposed roots area is a great way to landscape your garden. You can add a layer of about 3 to 4 inches of soil, sand, or compost to cover the exposed roots. Make sure to spread it out evenly and tamp it down to create a firm base. Use soil that has been blended with sand and/or compost, but add it gradually over a period of weeks so that your tree has time to adapt. The tree will receive a good supply of nutrients from the compost.
It can help to retain moisture, preventing the roots from drying out in high heat or during periods of drought. Moreover, this technique can provide essential nutrients to the tree, encouraging healthy growth.
3. Sprinkle Gravel Over The Exposed Roots
Pebbles or gravel are also useful landscaping materials for hiding tree roots. Again, if you create a barrier around your tree, the mulch, soil, or gravel you use will remain there and aid with any erosion problems you may experience.
Moreover, it can provide a protective layer of insulation against temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors that can cause harm to the tree’s root system. This layer of gravel can also help to keep the soil around the tree’s roots from becoming compacted and prevent water from pooling in the area.
4. Use Groundcover
A good ground cover may conceal tree roots and give your tree a unique texture and color. Some plants flourish under larger trees, making an ideal way to decorate exposed tree roots. Spread a 2 inch to 3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree to help keep the groundcover in place and retain moisture. Water the groundcover plants regularly until they become established.
By placing plants outside of the root zone, you can conceal the roots and shield them from erosion, lawnmowers, weed eaters, and foot traffic. The plants will also give your area a good aesthetic effect. Hostas, creeping thyme, oakleaf hydrangea, azaleas, nandinas, pansies, and caladiums are just a few of good options to cover exposed tree roots that thrive in the shade.
5. Construct A Well Around The Tree
A well also can be a smart option while landscaping around exposed roots. You can grow plants outside of the boundaries of the roots using this clever approach. A wall that is constructed around the tree’s root line and is roughly three feet high is called a tree well. To safeguard the tree’s roots, the well is next filled with mulch or gravel.
The only material inserted into the well space is mulch or gravel, which serves to safeguard the tree’s roots. It is not a planter; it is a well. However, you can put vegetation close to the well’s perimeter. The plants will cover it up and gain from your tree’s shadow.
How Do You Protect Bare Root Trees?
Bare root trees should be wrapped in damp newspaper or burlap and stored in a cool place until they are ready to be planted. The roots should be kept moist, but not wet, until planting. Store the bare-root plants and trees in a cool, dark area, such as an unheated basement, cellar, garage, or shed, after wrapping them in the shipping plastic.
The ideal temperature to store the tree is at 40°F, but anything below 60°F should work for a limited time.
To ensure the trees remain healthy, they should be planted as soon as possible after purchase. When planting, the roots should be spread out and covered with soil. Mulch should then be added to the area around the tree to help keep the roots cool and moist.
Final Thought
For a beautiful and functional landscape around a tree with exposed roots, it’s important to take into account the tree’s needs, as well as the aesthetic preferences of the homeowner. Consider planting low-growing shrubs, perennials, and groundcovers that are adapted to the light and soil conditions available.
Mulching around the base of the tree can help retain moisture, reduce weeds, and prevent damage to the exposed roots. With careful thought and planning, you can create a landscape that’s both attractive and beneficial for your tree.
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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Should you trim the roots of bare root trees?
Yes, you should trim the roots of bare root trees before planting. This helps to ensure that the roots will be able to spread out evenly in the soil and establish a strong root system. It also helps to prevent the tree from becoming root bound, creating an environment where the tree can grow and thrive.
Why should you not stack rocks in nature?
Stacking rocks in nature can disturb natural habitats, harm local wildlife, and damage fragile ecosystems. Landscaping around trees with rocks is part of the natural environment and should not be altered or rearranged without permission from the appropriate land management authority. Additionally, stacking rocks can be difficult to remove and can create an eyesore that detracts from the beauty of the landscape.
Can you cover exposed tree roots with gravel?
Yes, you can cover exposed tree roots with gravel. This is done to protect the roots from damage, to insulate them from extreme temperatures, to reduce weeds, and to improve the aesthetic of the landscape. For more tips on how to landscape around a tree with exposed roots, you can check the article above.
Can you plant grass over exposed tree roots?
Yes, you can plant grass over exposed tree roots, as long as the area is not too large or the root system too dense. This can help to protect the tree roots from becoming damaged, as well as provide a more attractive landscape. It also helps to reduce erosion and can add additional nutrients to the soil.
Can you pour concrete over exposed tree roots?
No, you should not pour concrete over exposed tree roots. This is because roots need air and water in order to survive and concrete will block both of these. Additionally, the weight of the concrete can crush and damage the roots, leading to the death of the tree.
