by Susan
Perry
Colorado State University Extension Master
Gardener
Larimer County
Q: I have an established blue spruce in my yard.
It seems healthy, but the roots are on the surface in my bluegrass lawn. This
makes it hard to mow, so I was thinking of removing the roots. What do you think?
A: Removing any roots of a tree or shrub will result in injury, and depending
on the extent of removal, potential death. Tree roots “rise to the surface”
because they need oxygen. When trees are planted in lawns, they are watered
every time the lawn is watered, even if the tree is a drought-tolerant species.
Over time the roots rise to the surface to prevent the tree from drowning.
A more preferable solution is to eliminate the area of turf where the roots
are on the surface by creating a large, mulched bed around the tree. If this
mulched bed is large enough (beyond the tree’s dripline), you may be able
to add perennials for interest. Besides making mowing easier, this will eliminate
the possibility that tree roots are nicked during mowing (creating further potential
for tree damage). Don’t forget to adjust your sprinkler system in that
area, since you’ve eliminated the turf.
Q: My established linden tree has been quite
healthy in past years. But this year, there is a large area of die-back on the
side nearest our new stone patio. I don’t see any insects or signs of
disease, and the die-back began about three to five weeks after the patio was
completed. What do you think the problem is?
A: Some pests can be nearly invisible to the human eye, but an equally likely
cause of your tree’s die-back is injury sustained during construction
of your new stone patio. Whether from a reduction in normal watering, soil compaction
from equipment or workmen or injury to the roots, it is quite likely that your
tree was injured during construction.
To reduce the possibility of further damage to your tree, be sure to give it
a lot of TLC the next few years. Right now, it has been injured and will be
more susceptible to attack by insects or disease. Ensure that it receives correct
pruning, adequate water (including regular winter watering every year), and
that you continue your annual core aeration of any nearby turf to reduce soil
compaction.
Gardening and Insect Fact Sheets are available on-line by clicking HERE.
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