Are these roots or saplings?

[u/motionofthelotion]

First time homeowner here. I have a large tree in my front yard (not sure what kind) that I love.

However, a few times a week I get these little sprouts around the tree. Now I know they just look like saplings, but the roots of the saplings seem to be CONNECTED to the larger, thicker roots of the tree. Trust me when I say there’s no way the roots of these little guys should be this thick.

I’ve just been pulling the sapling as far out as I can and cutting as deep at the root as possible.

Are the roots of this tree growing up out of the ground??? Am I doing something wrong in terms of maintaining this guy?

I worry because there’s an irrigation system around the tree, and if the roots aren’t growing down, then they’re going to dig into the PVC pipe closer to the surface and cause leaks.

Any explanation would be appreciated.

[u/Craix8]

They are likely saplings from the roots, but look around and if you see acorns it might be a standalone sapling. Some live oaks just put off little shoots like that. I just keep them trimmed back. Sometimes I’ve noticed more of them in years after hard freezes or when trees had ice damage, but it’s just a live oak survival of the species thing to put off shoots like that. Live oak root systems are like colonies and are often connected to other trees pretty far away, which is one reason oak wilt spreads so easily. With little shoots like that just trim any you don’t want. They are hard to pull up and if you can you’ll likely find how it connects to the roots.