Above Ground Roots

[Mleeja]

I have a problem I would like to get some suggestions. I have a large Magnolia tree in my front yard with above ground roots. The roots have pushed up and broken the concrete edging. We contacted a couple of concrete edging people, but the job was not big enough for them to deal with.

I had a couple of people tell me just to cut the roots. Not completely but a groove for the concrete edging to go back down. Has anyone heard of doing this before? I don't want tot kill the tree. If any landscape contractors monitor this forum, feel free to PM me.

Thanks!

[autumnspring]

Regrettably, surface roots is normal for the Magnolia. You might want to contact the cooperative extension for suggestions.

RE: cutting a groove to allow edging to go back down.
You would need to remove the edging and take out the root pushing it up. That solution would only be temporary.

[mulligan]

There is a product possibly made by 3M that is a fabric with embedded pellets of a substance that repels roots. The roots will actually make a u-turn when they grow close to the fabric. you install it in a narrow trench at the edge of the concrete you want to protect. I have personally seen this product work quite well.