Steve Nix is a member of the Society of American Foresters and a former forest resources analyst for the state of Alabama. Tree root systems are seldom on the minds of forest owners, tree planters, ...

Lee Wallender is a home improvement writer of nearly 20 years and specializes in home remodeling, repair and maintenance. Sami Allen is the managing editor at Forbes Home, with over seven years of ...

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. Never cut ...

Tree roots growing at or slightly above the soil surface are called surface roots. Homeowners having trees with these surface roots are frustrated with the additional challenges posed by mowing and ...

Tom spent 20 years running his own contracting company, working as a building mechanic and operating as a carpenter. Now he creates solar, home security, moving and home warranty content content for ...

Dr. Elizabeth Yuko is a bioethicist and adjunct professor of ethics at Fordham University. She has written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, Rolling Stone, CNN & Playboy.

We don’t often think about the roots of trees until there is a problem. A forester friend of mine called it a “fencepost mentality.” Being underground, they are often out of sight out of mind. However ...

Q: Soil and grass keep washing away around a large oak in our lawn, exposing more tree roots plus creating more of a downward slope. A friend says to pile up mulch to cover it and create a volcano ...

I’ve had some recent interactions with people frustrated by tree roots that surface, causing mowing difficulties and potential ankle-twisting opportunities. What can be done with surface roots?