maple tree and groundcover

[mlle]

hello - we have a lovely red maple tree with many roots at ground level. nothing is growing beneath it - just dirt and a few hardy weeds. we would like to put either black bark or gravel around it but are afraid that that might disturb the maple. we have heard that the roots should not be covered but others have said that that's okay. advise, please!
thank you, mlle

 

[Newfie]

I didn't know there were "lovely" red maple trees. In my part of Mass they are nasty dirty weeds choking out oaks and sugar maples. Good firewood though.

I'd advise against mulching anything living with rocks, stones etc. They don't hold moisture like an organic mulch and they are excellent at heating up and holding the heat against the roots.