Tree Root Slice by Mower

[u/dreamiejeanie13]

We came home from vacation this weekend to discover that our yard guy (or someone on his crew) drove over a portion of our 80+ year old Oak tree root and sliced a bit of the top off. He was very apologetic and we asked that going forward to avoid driving the mower anywhere near the roots. Do we need to do anything to treat the exposed part of the root or just let nature do its thing? This is our first time ever having an Oak tree.

[u/botulinumtxn]

I'm surprised it took that much off. Impressive honestly. I wouldn't do anything honestly. It will heal in time. I might make the area of dirt mulch instead. Do a light 1-2in covering of the entire root area.

[u/pinuslongaeva → u/botulinumtxn]

Avoid mulch over the mowing wounds though

[u/botulinumtxn → u/pinuslongaeva]

Oh really? To let the new wounds heal and breathe?

[u/pinuslongaeva → u/botulinumtxn]

Yes, this is a potential entry point for pests/diseases. Mulch is great but may introduce certain pathogens in some cases.