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Old 12-20-2014, 02:07 PM
 
157 posts, read 356,870 times
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Just bought a new home and have a gorgeous tree? out front. As you can see from the picture, the roots are on the surface and it looks terrible. Is there a way to fix the issue without killing the tree and what causes the roots to do this? I have seen quite a few trees like this and am wondering if it is a problem with the hard Arizona soil? Maybe a watering issue? Thanks in advance
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Old 12-20-2014, 03:10 PM
 
Location: Metro Phoenix, AZ USA
17,914 posts, read 43,443,128 times
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That looks like a ficus, and IIRC, their roots do tend to spread near the surface like that. I don't think there's any way to "fix" it at this point. You might contact an arborist and see what they have to say about taking care of it. The foliage will freeze if it gets cold enough in the winter, but they come back, sometimes with some trimming needed.
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Old 12-20-2014, 04:04 PM
 
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Beautiful house. That is a ficus. I have one and the roots are visible at the surface in spots. While not attractive, I think it's normal.
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Old 12-21-2014, 12:02 PM
 
Location: Goodyear, Arizona
943 posts, read 2,522,398 times
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Lovely house and that tree is beautiful--even if you can see the roots
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Old 12-21-2014, 12:44 PM
 
Location: The Wild Wild West
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Shallow watering = shallow roots, deep watering = deep roots. Nothing can be done now that the tree has established itself and it's roots system .
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Old 12-22-2014, 02:26 AM
 
551 posts, read 694,165 times
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I recommend being very careful with those large roots, if they were trimmed or removed it might kill the tree, and that tree is quite gorgeous and would be impossible to replace. I believe however you might be able to get the roots to sink further underground with deeper watering and placing sod+grass ontop of the roots, but don't expect any quick fix, but it will happen if you are consistent enough with it.
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Old 12-22-2014, 11:20 AM
 
Location: The Wild Wild West
44,642 posts, read 61,669,787 times
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2 problems with grass, 1- it's difficult to grow under the shade especially in the summer, and winter it will be brown or ugly.
2- grass robs the water from the tree.
Best bet may be put a tree ring around the drip line area and water it deep. Don't cut the roots. Those surface roots control the growth of the lower branches and stabilizes the tree. Cut roots are susceptible to disease also.
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Old 12-22-2014, 12:49 PM
 
Location: Metro Phoenix, AZ USA
17,914 posts, read 43,443,128 times
Reputation: 10726
Call an arborist and get their advice. I agree with those who say you are going to have a hard time starting sod over those roots.
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