You have probably tried covering exposed roots with soil or mulch, or mowing around them, hoping the problem resolves itself. When those approaches fall short, the question becomes whether you can cut exposed tree roots without losing the tree entirely.
Tree Tech Tree Services is the local leader in professional tree services in Denver, North Carolina. Below, we explain how the answer depends on which roots are cut and how the work is done.
Why Tree Roots Surface in Denver, North Carolina
Exposed tree roots are common throughout the Piedmont region. The clay-heavy soils around Lake Norman drain slowly and compact under foot traffic or equipment. Tree roots concentrate in the top 12 to 18 inches of soil where oxygen and moisture are most available.
Over time, erosion exacerbated by maintenance and construction strips away surrounding soil, especially affecting local:
- Red maples
- Sweetgums
- Willow oaks
- Pines
Exposed roots do not automatically signal a sick tree. They usually show that a tree has naturally adapted to local conditions.
What Happens If You Trim Exposed Tree Roots the Wrong Way
Cutting exposed roots affects tree health in ways most homeowners do not anticipate. Roots anchor the tree and are also essential for absorbing water and nutrients and for storing energy. Remove too many, and the tree:
- Loses structural stability
- Could lean in the next heavy wind event
- May enter a slow decline
Industry guidelines recommend against removing more than about 25% of the root system in one session. Cutting one major structural root near the base can exceed that entire allowance in a single cut. Removing roots larger than two inches in diameter near the trunk may also cause serious harm.
How Managing Exposed Tree Roots Works When Done Right
Professionals start by identifying which roots can tolerate removal. Small feeder roots far from the trunk generally handle cuts well. Structural roots inside the critical root zone need protection.
Certified arborists assess overall tree health when judging whether root size and proximity to the trunk support any cutting at all. If appropriate, experts make clean cuts with sharp tools during the dormant season from late fall through winter. A follow-up care plan involving deep watering and mulching supports successful recovery.
When Cutting Is Not the Best Answer
When cutting isn’t feasible, a layer of organic mulch or topsoil can be added over exposed roots to protect them while reducing erosion concerns. Root barriers can also be a helpful option to redirect growth away from driveways and walkways without introducing stress to the wound. These alternatives often resolve the issue while leaving the root system fully intact.
Protect Your Trees With Help From Tree Tech Tree Services
Deciding whether it’s safe to cut exposed tree roots is a judgment call you should only make with professional input. Tree Tech Tree Services provides certified arborist consultations and comprehensive tree healthcare services throughout Denver, North Carolina, and the surrounding Lake Norman area.
Our team brings the expertise to assess your trees and support healthy root growth long after the work is complete. Call (704) 799-5796 or contact us online today to request a free estimate.