All About Surface Roots

Few things make a home's landscaping look more stately and attractive than majestic old trees. However, one of the most common complaints that people have about them are surface roots which can mar the appearance of the surrounding grass, plants and other features. Understanding how surface roots develop can help you keep them at bay, but it's important to know that little can be done about them once they have developed.

Why Surface Roots Develop

Surface roots can develop for a number of different reasons, including:

Genetics - One of the leading causes of surface roots is genetics; some tress are simply destined to develop surface roots, and no amount of planning or preparation can help the situation. Even if you make accommodations for all of the other causes of surface roots, if a tree on your property is pre-programmed by its genetics to develop them, you're not going to have a whole lot of luck.

Poor Soil Conditions - Most landscape gardeners Brisbane will tell you that poor soil conditions are among the top reasons for surface roots in trees. Poor soil conditions can be caused by many different factors, and present themselves in a number of different ways. Some of the poor soil conditions that cause surface roots include:

• Toxins - Sometimes, toxins in the soil can prompt the development of surface roots. If the toxins aren't causing other problems, though, then they aren't really cause for concern.
• Compacted Soil - Soil that is too compact can cause the large roots of a mature tree to poke out of the ground.
• Low Oxygen Content - Soil that is starved for oxygen can cause surface roots. It's ideal for the soil around a tree to be loose enough to allow oxygen to circulate easily.
• Too Much - or Too Little - Water - Soil that is overly dry can crumble, allowing a tree's feeder roots to come to the surface. Soil that is watered too much can sink down, causing a similar problem.
• Erosion - Sometimes, soil simply erodes away, revealing the roots of a tree.

Strategies for Managing Surface Roots

While you can't safely eliminate surface roots, and should only prune them away when they're causing severe damage to structures on your property, you can use landscaping Brisbane to mask the problem. Loose bark chunks or mulch can be used to cover up surface roots; remember not to use too much of it, or you could harm the tree. Another superb idea is to build a retaining wall around the base of a tree that has surface roots. Fill it with mulch and a plant bed, and you not only cover up unsightly surface roots - you add an attractive element to your home's outdoor landscaping, as well.