Problem in front yard, too much roots from maple tree

How about a tree Seat surrounded by a shingle path and outside that an artificial lawn....................You could always add a few pots of Plants too...........

The roots from my Hard Maple Tree were becoming exposed, with age... mine is about 68 years old. The roots were becoming damaged when I would mow the grass, even though there was very little grass due to the shade from the gigantic tree. After seven years, I finally came up with a solution. I placed a circle of bricks (salvaged from an old patio) on the outside of the roots. then I filled in the circle with about 6" of pine bark mulch. I transplanted bulbs and annuals from other areas of the yard, so that every year they will fill in the space more. (The plants you use must be very shade tolerant.) This protects the roots, and adds beauty to an otherwise very ugly portion of the yard.

I love grass, so I'd tend to add a couple of yards of loam and seed it.