Hmmm I answered a very similar question here a few days ago. In general it’s the same answer, the soil is too high and the roots need to be exposed. But also those pavers are very problematic over the root zone and can increase compaction and hurt the tree’s ability to get water and vital nutrients. It needs much more breathing space.
1. Fully excavate the root flare. This will be pretty difficult with all of the spaghetti roots that usually form when you have root sprouting. Might be worth hiring an arborist to do this part.
2. Remove the pavers and replace with 3-4 inches of mulch
3. Water as much of the root zone as you can consistently.
Even if you do all of this, the tree may still continue to produce these root sucker sprouts. Sometimes, they just never go away.
alypici_
Would leveling the tree and exposing roots change water flow? I mean, the tree was there first. In other words; I’m not sure.
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Hmmm I answered a very similar question here a few days ago. In general it’s the same answer, the soil is too high and the roots need to be exposed. But also those pavers are very problematic over the root zone and can increase compaction and hurt the tree’s ability to get water and vital nutrients. It needs much more breathing space.
[https://www.reddit.com/r/AustinGardening/comments/1mf00c4/comment/n6l7d2d/?context=3](https://www.reddit.com/r/AustinGardening/comments/1mf00c4/comment/n6l7d2d/?context=3)
The main things would be:
1. Fully excavate the root flare. This will be pretty difficult with all of the spaghetti roots that usually form when you have root sprouting. Might be worth hiring an arborist to do this part.
2. Remove the pavers and replace with 3-4 inches of mulch
3. Water as much of the root zone as you can consistently.
Even if you do all of this, the tree may still continue to produce these root sucker sprouts. Sometimes, they just never go away.
Would leveling the tree and exposing roots change water flow? I mean, the tree was there first. In other words; I’m not sure.