Expert: Jim Hyland - 3/7/2007

Question
My Ball Pine tree roots have formed knots on top of the ground that now makes it almost impossible to mow around the tree, within about four feet of the trunk. Can I cut the tops off of these and apply topsoil over them? What is recommened or do I just watch them grow?

Answer
You can not cut the tops off the roots without killing or damaging the tree. I would put fill soil over the exposed roots. You can put not more than 4 inches of good top soil on exposed roots without damaging them. This would be the best thing to protect the roots from the mower.