Magnolia Surface Roots: Don't Bury, Plant Understory

House purchase with two magnolias; shallow roots dominate shaded area. Options: cut trees or build raised beds with 2 ft soil over roots. Owner fears burying roots kills trees.

Burying Roots Kills

>3 inches of fill over roots = death. Weight suffocates roots.

Solutions

• Prune lower limbs for more light.
• Plant shade-tolerant understory plants in existing soil.
• Thin mulch (1-2 inches) okay; no deep fill.

Reference: Planting Under Trees