Question From:
mark pickering in Balahnnah, Balahnnah South Australia
Nature of problem:
can I damage the tree by cutting some of the surface roots?
Type of Plant (if known):
Mop Top
Symptoms of Plant Illness (please try NOT to diagnose your problems yourself):
no illness
Soil Type (e.g. sandy, clay or loam) OR Potting Mix Type:
loam
How often do you water the plant:
often
How many hours of sunlight does the plant get each day:
12
How long since you planted it:
10years
Have you fertilised? If so, with what and when:
no
Is the plant indoors or outdoors:
outdoors
Is the plant in a pot or in the ground:
ground
What other treatments have you given the plant:
none
Upload photo if available:
Other Comments:
The issue I have is I would like to plant lawn at the base of the tree but the roots of the tree are on the surface. I would like to dig say 3′”deep X 2 metres around the base of the tree. Some of these roots are a couple of inches thick. If I were to cut them would I harm the tree? Do these roots spread just below the surface only or do they have roots going straight down?
Answer:
Hi Mark, I strongly recommend that you do not expose or cut the roots. If you do, suckers will spring up everywhere, creating a terrible nuisance. You need to find out why the roots are on the surface: my guess is that you have a rock-hard clay layer about 3″ to 4″ under the surface. I doubt that grass would grow under the tree/s anyway. Maybe add 6″ of new soil and plant Clivias under the tree/s. They tolerate semi-shaded, dry conditions. Don