Gardening with Gary

Gardening Advice from an Expert

Weeping Willows

Q. I have a weeping willow tree on my front lawn that is approximately 20 years old. The roots near the base of the tree are exposed above the ground, and in some cases rotting. Can I cut the exposed roots without hurting the tree and/or can I cover them with dirt in a circle around the base and plant something to hide them?

A. Most definitely do the latter. The first method of removal is quite dangerous to the life and well-being of the tree. I hate to see you cutting and removing feeder roots. Willows are notorious for their huge root system, especially with the fine roots that spread as far horizontally as the branches and quite deeply, even into sewer pipes. But, the ones at the surface should not be disturbed.

Add a good top soil mix to the affected area. Lay it done thickly and build up as a raised garden bed if desired. Then, you can go in there and plant whatever you like. Annuals would be wonderful. If the branches are quite thick [therefore the bed will be shady] plant shade-loving annuals as begonia, impatiens, hosta, pachystachys, alyssum, myrtle, periwinkle, etc.

You can build up a height around the tree trunk with taller plants and then slope it downward to shorter plants, ending with nice edgers. It could become quite attractive in short order.