However, a walk through the woods should convince anyone that surface roots are a natural phenomenon. Growing surface roots is part of the normal growth habit for many trees, like Silver and Norway Maples as an example. Mower blades can be damaged when striking surface roots. This type of damage can be very bad for the tree, as well. Open wounds may allow disease and insect problems to infect the tree.
Roots serve many purposes.
They anchor the tree to keep it standing upright and take in water and nutrients. Roots must have an adequate supply of oxygen in the soil to be healthy. By growing at or near the surface, roots are able to supply the tree everything it needs to remain healthy. Cutting and removing surface roots is not a good option. This practice weakens the tree.