The tree you planted years ago has a gorgeous canopy providing you with ample shade. But when your gaze falls to the soil below, you see unsightly roots peeking out at you. You’re probably asking, “Can I cover tree roots with soil?”
Green Pointe Tree Care’s pros are the premium tree insect and disease control specialists in Salt Lake City, UT. We can help you learn how to handle your tree root problem with our helpful guide.
Soil Isn’t the Best Cover-Up
Soil seems like the obvious answer to cover up tree roots. That’s where they live, after all. Surprisingly, soil is the wrong answer if you care about tree health.
After covering up tree roots, you might see signs of root suffocation thanks to soil compaction. Heavy soil settles after some time, causing compaction around the roots, which leads to oxygen deprivation. Root rot is also a concern if the soil holds a lot of moisture and never dries out completely.
Dishonorable Mentions
Before you find something else to cover up roots, here are some alternatives to avoid:
- Flowers and Grass: The shady canopy isn’t a good place for many plants to grow, which is why trees typically come with bare spots directly underneath them. Plus, trees are greedy, soaking up all the water and nutrients. If the shade doesn’t kill plants nearby, the lack of available nutrients due to a hungry tree will do it.
- Concrete: Never pour concrete over tree roots. It causes the same problems as soil, but in a more annoying way. The roots will eventually grow around it and pop up to the surface somewhere else or even break through the concrete.
- Cutting the Roots: Cutting roots weakens the tree, and it will probably grow new roots to make up for the ones it lost.
Use Mulch To Cover Exposed Roots
Can I cover tree roots with soil? No, but a lightweight mulch alternative will do just fine.
Mulch is full of nutrients that will feed the tree. It also protects the roots without being too heavy, and air and water can pass through it to get to the soil. Easy water access is important in times of drought to prevent dieback.
It’s a win-win situation. Mulch will also even out the ground and improve your curb appeal.
Honorable Mentions
Alternatives to mulch include:
- Gravel: Only use gravel with a layer of landscape fabric underneath it. Gravel may compact the soil or get too hot. The fabric adds a layer of protection.
- Plant or Concrete Border: Plants and concrete are bad news on top of roots, but they can enhance your landscape if you create an above-ground border around the tree. Use the canopy as a guideline of where to place plants and borders. Consider using mulch inside the border for a clean appearance.
Green Pointe Tree Care Is Here To Help
How long do trees live? Can I cover tree roots with soil? With trees come questions, and Green Pointe Tree Care in Salt Lake City, UT, can answer them. Call us at (801) 608-6781 for all your tree needs.