Gardening Question of the Week:
What Can I Plant or Put on Surface Tree Roots?

Several people have written in to ask whether they can will in the area around trees that have lots of surface roots. They either want recommendations for ground covers or they’re thinking of adding soil or mulch. Not all tree roots will protrude above the surface, but those that do are coming up for a reason - they need oxygen. So covering the roots is seldom a wise thing to do. Either the tree suffers or your patience will, as the roots will continue to try and come up for air. Steve Nix, About.com’s Guide to Forestry, has some tips for dealing with surface tree roots, but for the most part, you’re going to have to learn to work around them.

You might be able to establish a low growing ground cover that can handle the dry shade under trees, but not compete with the tree’s root system. Something like Lamium or Epimedium would work. Or you can just move your chairs under there and enjoy of the cool respite and the knowledge that you’re doing something good for the environment by letting your tree grow. Trees aren’t just for beauty and shade. Trees also absorb carbon dioxide emitted by cars and power plants, before it ever reaches the upper atmosphere and traps heat around the Earth’s surface. Which trees offset global warming best?

Photo: © Marie Iannotti.