Exposed pine roots

[kelLOGg]

We have a large (33" dbh) SYP many of whose roots are exposed out to as far as 75' from the trunk; some of the smaller ones have died and some are high enough above the ground surface that they get hit by the mower. They have emerged from the ground in about the last 5 to 10 years. The tree has no dead needles, very few small dead branches so it appears healthy to me. The soil does not appear to be eroding although the grass is not very dense around some of the roots. What does this indicate and what could/should be done about it? The roots can be a trip hazard so it would be nice if they weren't there but I am reluctant to remove them if they are viable or cover them with topsoil if erosion is not the problem.



 

 

 

[Texas Ranger]

Hard to say from picture, but, would indicate a hardpan in the soil.

[TroyC]

I have a couple exactly like that in a small field. Picture made me do a doubletake. Definitely a hard pan under mine.

[kelLOGg]

Why would it appear so late in the tree life? We have lived here 38 years.

[tawilson]

You said it hits the mower. Are you raking up the pine needles each year? They turn to dirt eventually. 

[kelLOGg]

No raking.
I have old (7 years) sawdust and wood chips near the mill that have roots from nearby trees growing in them. Would it be a good idea to spread that over the exposed roots or should I opt for top soil?

[Southside]

Shifting of the poles is likely the cause.   :

[DixieReb31]

I have similar problems with pine tree roots and mower.  I took my side grinder and a chainsaw disc and shaved the root s down.  Seems to be working fine.  Doesn't appear to have harmed the trees.  I did many of them.

[firefighter ontheside]

I have the same thing.  I have a lobl olly in my  back yard that is about 36" dbh and it has the same roots.  Some of them do get scalped by the mower, but the tree looks as healthy as ever.  I can't explain why they appeared recently, other than to say that roots grow just like the tree.  As the roots have gotten  bigger, perhaps they have now broken through the surface.  

[bluthum]

Natural systems are unpredictable due to the countless variables but I'd expect cutting or scalping those exposed roots will decrease that trees life. Disease loves open wounds and the trees count on the roots for nutrient transport. 

I like the idea of covering them with either soil or mulch, I'd guess it wouldn't matter which.