Key Takeaways Large trees often develop surface roots that can damage sidewalks, mower blades, and tree health.Mulch 2–3 inches deep to cover roots safely and reduce maintenance without harming the ...

When tree roots find their way into your sewer or water lines and cause issues with your drain, acting fast is key. Here's ...

Carefully planting groundcover or shade-loving plants under the tree may work as long as you don’t add a thick layer of topsoil, avoid planting close to the tree trunk, and do your best to avoid ...

Typically, most of a tree’s roots grow horizontally in the top four to 15 inches of the soil, allowing them to remain protected underground, but close enough to benefit from the oxygen that ...

And tree roots absolutely love fertilizer. Your neighbor’s lawn, if it’s close enough, gave your trees both water and fertilizer because that’s what a successful lawn needs.

“When dealing with surface root syndrome, be certain that any mitigation does not compromise tree health and increase the risk for tree failure,” said Purcell. While troublesome, he said that ...

Even beer-drinking Babylonians knew that you can’t grow a good tree with bad roots. First, inspect the base of the trunk to make sure you can locate the root flair — where the trunk widens to ...

In this photo, parade goers stands around the roots of an old oak tree as Rex parades down St. Charles Avenue for Mardi Gras 2015 in New Orleans on Tuesday, February 17.

If it appears as though tree roots may be clogging your sewer line, you’ll need to decide whether it’s time to bring in a professional, or try one of these DIY options: What do you think so far?

Large trees often develop surface roots that can damage sidewalks, mower blades, and tree health. Mulch 2–3 inches deep to cover roots safely and reduce maintenance without harming the tree.