Why tree roots end up above ground (and when you should worry)

Exposed roots can be normal and occur with age, but they may also indicate an underlying issue.

Key Points

• Understanding why tree roots become exposed helps you protect your trees and maintain a safe, healthy yard.
• Tree roots can surface due to erosion, species traits, compacted soil, or aging—some causes are harmless, others require action.
• Prevent exposed roots by planting cover crops, applying mulch, and watering deeply to encourage healthier root growth.

You may have noticed tree roots surfacing above the ground, in your yard, or while out in nature. Generally, exposed roots can be a normal aspect of a mature tree’s life and aren’t necessarily a cause for alarm. However, there are certain situations where these visible roots might signal a problem. Understanding whether exposed roots are an issue depends on several factors. Ahead, experts shed light on why tree roots become exposed, when to be concerned, ways to address the issue, and methods to prevent it from occurring in the first place.

Meet Our Expert

• David Fried, owner of Elmore Roots Fruit Tree Nursery and a fruit tree cultivator for 46 years
• Kristi Baldini, owner of Windswept Gardens in Bangor, Maine

Related: 7 Places to Never Plant a Tree, According to Gardening Experts

Why Some Trees Develop Exposed Roots

Exposed tree roots can provide valuable insights into a tree’s behavior and the health of the surrounding soil. While some species naturally exhibit surface roots, others may indicate a problem, such as poorly draining soil. To determine whether exposed roots are normal or a cause for concern, it’s essential to consider the following factors.

Erosion

Exposed tree roots often happen because of soil erosion, says David Fried, owner of Elmore Roots Fruit Tree Nursery. “The earth gets washed away during a storm, and the roots keep getting bigger each year, just like the trunk grows bigger,” he says. To determine if the exposed roots are a result of erosion, examine the surrounding ground for signs of soil loss. Look for washed-away dirt, muddy runoff, small gullies, or noticeable depressions where the ground around the tree is lower than the established root collar (the area where the trunk flares out). If you observe any of these signs, it indicates that erosion is causing the root exposure.

Species Type

Beyond erosion, Kristi Baldini of Windswept Gardens in Bangor, Maine, explains that root exposure can simply be a characteristic of a species’ natural growth. “Maples, beeches, spruces, and pines are all known for developing shallow surface roots,” she says. These trees naturally have shallow feeder root systems, and as the tree ages and grows, these roots thicken and break through the surface. If this is the case for the species you’re growing, there is no cause for concern.

Compacted or Poorly Draining Soil

Compacted or poorly draining soil can force roots to remain near the surface, where oxygen is more readily available, says Baldini. To determine if this is the issue, observe whether water pools on the surface after rainfall instead of soaking into the ground. If the area remains waterlogged or a screwdriver cannot easily penetrate the top few inches of soil, your tree is likely suffocating in compacted soil. This situation indicates that the roots are struggling to reach oxygen and water.

Age

Exposed tree roots may also be the result of natural aging. “As mature trees grow, the structural roots naturally increase in diameter and can slowly become more visible,” Baldini says. To determine if exposed roots are due to aging rather than soil erosion, examine the shape of the roots and look for a visible root flare. To assess the root flare properly, check if the thick structural roots radiate directly from the base of the tree and securely grip the ground. If they do, this indicates that the tree is healthy and older.

Surface Watering

While trees need water to survive, Baldini notes that repeated shallow watering near the surface encourages roots to remain in the top few inches instead of growing deeper. To prevent surface roots, try slowly soaking the soil to a depth of 8 to 12 inches once or twice a week, instead of providing short, daily splashes of water. You might also consider installing a soaker hose or a drip irrigation system. This approach encourages existing roots to grow deeper in search of moisture.

When to Worry About Exposed Tree Roots

While some cases of root exposure are normal and do not need intervention, others may require immediate attention. This is typically due to physical damage to the root system or when roots lift nearby infrastructure, creating safety hazards.

The Roots Are Damaged or Decaying

When your tree shows signs of decay, fungal growth, or pest damage, it may be time to make some changes. Look for spongy, cracked, or discolored wood on the roots, and inspect for signs of boring insects. Damaged roots can make the tree vulnerable to decay, disease, and pests.

There Are Safety Concerns

If tree roots are buckling sidewalks, cracking driveways, encroaching on your home’s foundation, or creating tripping hazards in busy areas, they pose a safety concern and should be addressed.

The Tree Is Structurally Unsound

If your tree is leaning or if you notice that the soil on one side is lifting, cracking, or shifting—especially after a storm—these are important signs of decayed roots or storm damage. It’s essential to contact a professional immediately, as the tree may be in danger of uprooting, which could lead to damage or falling.

Tips

Avoid covering exposed roots with large amounts of soil. “While it’s tempting, piling soil over established roots can reduce oxygen and stress the tree,” says Baldini. If the roots create a tripping hazard, Baldini highlights that it’s typically better to expand the mulched area or redesign the surrounding landscape rather than bury them.

How to Prevent Exposed Roots

Exposed roots can often lead to issues, but there are simple strategies to prevent them from surfacing due to adverse external conditions. By implementing these methods, you can protect the roots and promote healthy tree growth.

Plant a Cover Crop

Fried recommends planting cover crops, such as clover or perennial flowers, around the tree where roots may become visible. This practice will not only encourage beneficial pollinators but also prevent the soil from easily washing away. “You can also plant shade-loving shrubs such as Annabelle hydrangea,” says Fried, adding both beautiful blooms and soil erosion protection to the tree’s root system.

Apply Mulch

To prevent or manage exposed roots, Baldini recommends applying a 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch, keeping it several inches away from the trunk. “This helps protect roots, conserves moisture, and reduces temperature swings,” she says. Remove turf from under the tree’s canopy and apply a layer of organic mulch such as bark chips or shredded wood, extending to the drip line.

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