[andbar042]

I have 2 red maple trees that are about 30 ft. high. One in the back yard has roots exposed that I have tried to fix by adding light layer of topsoil and seed to raise the level of ground ( shade has pretty much killed out previous grass).
The roots have now grown above that attempt and has caused unrepairable damage to a couple mowers from helpers doing lawn work for me. The front tree causes me to have roto-rooter here every 2 years to cut out roots from sewer line plus the roots have been getting higher there also. Can I just cut out the roots that are exposed without killing tree or would removal be my best option.

[ma0641]

Maple trees are notorious for root issues. The simplest solution is to put mulch under them and forget grass and chop off roots outside the drip line. As to roots in the sewer lines, you must have openings that the roots get in. Only sure solution is removal but I hate to see trees that big cut down just so grass can grow.

[joypulv]

Most people plant ground cover (pachysandra, vinca, etc) out to the drip line.
Replace old drain pipes with new materials that roots can't get in. You have to do it now anyway, so save the trees.
You can't cut more than 1 or 2 roots without knowing what you are doing. Roots don't just drink water, they keep the tree from falling over in the wind.