What should I do about this big root while edging around the tree?

1 November 2026 3 answers
Asked by Vireo

I’m putting in a garden edge and have already come across a large, shallow tree root. Is it safe to cut, or should I change the layout?

Answers

mild circuit

I’d avoid cutting a large root close to the trunk. Roots help support and supply the tree, and whether one can be pruned safely depends on the tree and the root, not on a simple size rule. Shift the curve outward or shape the edging around it. If cutting seems unavoidable, ask a qualified arborist to assess it first.

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Jax-41

Move the edge a few inches, or make a wider curve around the root. It’s usually easier to adjust the border than to risk damaging a root you can see is substantial. You could also use an edging style that sits above the soil rather than digging deeply beside the tree.

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Orris!

Think about the whole area around the tree, too. Avoid piling soil or a thick layer of material over the root, and try not to compact the ground while you work. For a planted or mulched feature, a simple mulch layer can be easier to maintain than a buried weed barrier.

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