How do I get rid of roots sticking out of my lawn?

Norma
by Norma

My yard has tree roots sticking out how do i get rid of them to have a better lawn

  7 answers
  • Conscientious crafter Conscientious crafter on Dec 31, 2018

    Why are your roots more important than the trees roots?

    The tree isn't trying to cut down yours so reciprocate and leave it be.

  • Conscientious crafter Conscientious crafter on Dec 31, 2018

    If you really think nature is that ugly, make little cottages and mushrooms and gnomes to display around the roots

  • Depending on the tree, cutting the roots could weaken or kill the tree and it could come down in a heavy wind. Do further research before proceeding.

  • Lizbeth Lizbeth on Jan 01, 2019

    Yeah, BIG mistake to cut tree roots willy-nilly unless you are also cutting down the tree (which I wouldn't do just to grow grass.) Here are some very GENERAL rules of thumb although it's best to hire a good tree specialist before doing anything.


    1. Avoid cutting roots more than 2 inches wide.


    2. Never remove more than 20 percent of above-ground tree roots at once. Wait at least 3 yrs before removing more.


    3. Use math and Pi (3.14) to determine the tree's diameter from its circumference. According to http://blog.davey.com/2016/09/removing-tree-roots-above-ground-will-it-harm-or-kill-the-tree/ you can safely prune roots that are 3-5 times the diameter away from your tree. So, if your tree has a diameter of 3 feet, only cut tree roots 9-15 feet away from the tree.


    So pretty much don't do it! Also keep in mind if you do cut and dig out noticeable roots *safely* you won't get all of them out where you dig. What's left and dying may support (for years!) some lovely mushroom colonies you might not want in your lawn either.


    Here are some ground covers that may help safely hide tree roots:

    Ajuga, Lungwort, Foamflower, Creeping Juniper, Liriope (monkey grass), Periwinkle, Pachysandra.

  • Norma Norma on Jan 01, 2019

    Thank you great answers I will try them

  • Walter Bercarich Walter Bercarich on Jan 01, 2019

    Well, the roots are looking for water and it seems your water is closer to the surface.

  • Robyn Garner Robyn Garner on Jan 04, 2019

    I agree DO NOT cut the roots! If they are so bothersome for you, fill in the areas with more topsoil and plant above that.