Question From: J. Parrott - Richland, Washington, United States
Q: Do Arborvitaes cause a problem with surface roots?
A: Most trees will produce surface roots if they are planted too deep or the soil around them is compacted. They need oxygen to survive and rise up to get it. To my knowledge surface roots of arbs are not a serious problem. To help avoid them dig the hole no deeper than the root ball, but three times wider. Also check the root ball to make sure the surface of the soil does not rise above the root flair - that's the point where the trunk widens a bit just above the roots. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy
