Removing surface roots may harm the tree or make it unstable and prone to falling under windy conditions. Tree roots should not be covered with soil because this may also affect the tree's health.
Protect Crowns & Surface Roots: (Especially newly planted plants) Mulching to protect most perennial plants is done after the first hard or killing frost. A hard frost is usually defined as temperature drop to below 25 degrees F.
Ferns are distinct from other types of plants, having surface roots rather than taproots. They produce neither woody timber nor flowers.
The conditions that create dry shade, such as the presence of many surface roots and excessive drainage, persist no matter what the gardener does. Despite the difference in our soils, Cathy and I use many similar techniques.
Trees with many surface roots, such as birches, beeches, maples, and apples, are the worst offenders. If you're planting beneath a shallow-rooted tree, consider planting dry-soil-adapted groundcovers like vinca or epimedium.
If you'd like to mulch over your surface roots but prefer to take the lazy route, let your trees naturally mulch themselves by letting leaf litter accumulate.
All existing weeds and surface roots must be removed and then well-rotted manure or compost should be dug into the ground. You'll need about five bucket loads per square metre.
Surface roots from trees can be caused by a variety of factors, but the most frequent cause is the selection and planting of shallow-rooted trees. To avoid problems with surface roots, avoid the following common, fast-growing species: ...
Surface roots, tightly coiled croziers and developing fiddleheads are too easily damaged. Leave a place to walk, and remove by hand winter-burned evergreen fronds and any other garden debris before the fiddleheads begin to unfurl in spring.
It also preserves moisture for the fine surface roots of the tree. With mulch we're emulating nature--exactly what happens in the forest." This way, what was taken up by the tree into its leaves is directly recycled.
Next, Bill says, cross off your list any tree that grows with surface roots or with soft branches that break easily in an ice storm, such as a silver maple.
A thick layer of mulch such as straw, buckwheat hulls, or shredded newspaper keeps the soil and surface roots warm through nippy nights and breezy fall days.
Many fast growing trees have aggressive underground root systems as well as bigger surface roots. Because of this, you should not plant fast growing trees near septic tanks or sewer lines.
Turn over the soil in the shade garden using a shovel. Dig carefully in areas beneath trees to avoid damaging surface roots. Position plants between larger roots to allow plenty of room for the plant and tree to thrive.
Step 4 ...
Using your fingers to gently pull the surface roots away from the root ball will induce the roots to once again grow outward.
Be careful, too, that the tree you pick trees that aren't apt to give you too many problems down the line, such as surface roots that lift pavement, suckers, dripping sap, and falling leaves and other litter.
Be careful not to damage the fibrous surface roots, either by touch or by over-fertilizing; use the recommended rates. Replace the mulch, adding more if necessary. Once the plants begin to leaf out, remove any dead branches or twigs.
Good timing will also help your plants to develop a greater tolerance of drought by encouraging the roots to grow deeper into the earth. Remember, the closer to the surface roots are, the sooner they will feel the effects of heat and drought.
Water Deeply - Plants that need a lot of water at once instead of a little water over several waterings. Deep watering often encourages good root formation, where as frequently providing only a small amount of water encourages surface roots, ...
When it comes to hydrating your plants, thorough but less frequent watering is the key. Thorough watering encourages roots to grow deeper. It gives them a larger area to draw water from and limits the number of poor-performing surface roots.
 See also: Plant, Soil, Water, Grow, Growing
  
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