Silver Maple: Why are roots exposed?

[NebClimber]

I live in the midwest. Silver Maples abound. Many have roots exposed above the surface of the ground. Why? I get this question from clients all the time, and I don't really know the answer. Is it from overwatering, underwatering, soil condition, or something else? Is it indicative of any problems?

Steven

 

[treeseer]

Soil conditions, like erosion from people taking away what the tree sheds and putting back nothing in return.

Put mulch between the roots--the tree wants its leaves back!--, and enough soil to plant some flowers. Keep the turfgass eqpt away and they'll be fine.

Had any good Cuban sandwiches lately?

 

[Menchhofer]

Midwest clay soil is sometimes responsible for maple roots on the surface. Compacted soils also promote surface roots.

 

[Stumper]

Ditto. Soil types like clay can accentuate S.Maples' natural trendency toward surface rooting. Brief, frequent, shallow watering can contribute also but it is mostly just the nature of the beast.

 

[Stumper]

Let's waste bandwidth on off post editing. TENDENCY-But , Hey, trendency is a cool new word.

 

[NebClimber]

Guy: Is that you under a new name?

 

[Newfie]

Hey, trendency is a cool new word.

Can I use it too Justin or does Darin own the rights to it now?