Pine tree roots on surface

Question: We have pine trees, sorry I don't know the exact kind, and I noticed when pulling back the bark mulch that there are many roots on the surface of the ground.  I am wondering if this is normal?  If it is, how to best take care of them from any kind of damage or disease?  If it is not, what might be the reason that the roots are on the surface and what is the best way to mend the problem?
Thank you in advance.

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied June 26, 2023, 10:46 PM EDT
response: Those are branches that have dropped their needless because they have been shaded out. They are normal and can be pruned off. I would wait until the weather is cold because they will leak sap. The sap is very sticky and annoying in a garden and it will dry before spring. They don’t have to be pruned off but they do get in the way and they will never get new needles.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 27, 2023, 4:09 AM EDT
response: Hello, I don't believe my question was answered at all. I did not ask anything about the branches in our tree. That issue is from the rabbits last winter. My original question was about the trees roots that are right on the surface of the ground. Is this normal, because there seems to be a lot of  small roots on the surface and I want to protect them properly or in courage them to grow deeper in the soil. Thank you, Rita

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied June 27, 2023, 6:15 AM EDT
response: I am not seeing tree roots right on the ground. What I see are structures covered with bark. Your tree is planted too deeply or maybe mulched too high. Pull the mulch away about 6 inches from the trunk to prevent fungal diseases. If you pile soil too deeply under a tree it will not get the air it needs. If mulch is more than 2-4 inches deep it will also keep the tree from getting enough air.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 27, 2023, 5:26 PM EDT
response: Hello.I am going to try and clarify my question, one more time.The picture may not show it very well, but there is very little to no mulch around the tree, I had raked it back, and there really wasn't much prior. Trust me when I say there are roots, albeit small but grown out to the drip line. They are in the surface of the ground. I don't believe in your last two responses, answering my question. Is this normal for a tree to do? If not what would be a solution to root down deeper into the ground.Thanks again. I won't keep bugging you, I just thought I would try one more time.RitaOn Tue, Jun 27, 2023, 5:15 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied June 27, 2023, 7:39 PM EDT
response: If the roots are on the surface they are fine. Don’t prune them off and do not bury them with soil, because  doing so could harm the tree. It is normal for some roots to stay in the duff or  natural compost layer. Covering them with no more than 2 inches of mulch would give them a little protection and give a nice look. Watering deeply and less frequently may coax the roots at the surface down. Obviously your tree has enough roots in the ground to thrive because it looks very healthy. I hope this is feedback is what you are hoping for from Extension.