Answer: Roots need oxygen to survive and a 6-inch layer of top soil will block necessary exchange of oxygen and water.

Key TakeawaysAvoid cutting or burying exposed roots to prevent tree damage and pest issues.Use mulch or shade-loving ground covers to reduce hazards and protect roots.Exposed roots grow due to soil ...

While a tree with exposed roots might show some character, it can make your landscape look uncared for and pose a tripping hazard. Exposed roots can also easily get damaged, which can affect your tree ...

You might want to think twice before grabbing that grass seed.

Exposed tree roots can damage sidewalks and foundations, become a tripping hazard, and make lawn mowing difficult. Learn how ...

This lawn maintenance habit can expose tree roots to harmful pathogens. It’s not uncommon for your lawn or backyard to also feature trees. Generally speaking, those trees are likely out of the way and ...

Before winter closes in, do one last thing for all the trees, shrubs and other plants in your garden: Make sure they have a cozy layer of mulch over their roots. “Spread it flat and even, like a ...

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. The video outlines how excessive mulch suffocates plant roots and why chronic over-mulching contributes to long-term decline in ...

One of the biggest threats to trees in summertime is lawn care. A good way to protect them is with mulch. “Spreading a wide area of mulch around the base of a tree will keep lawn mowers and string ...