Hi,

Check out the topic that gesila posted about rescuing Continental Divide. Unfortunately that is probably what your hostas are faced with, and just trimming the tree roots might not help that much. You would be better off lifting, tilling up all the roots, then replanting, though you'd have to repeat that every couple years, or try the spinout bags, containers, or just another location.

About your question, yes, hosta roots, under good conditions, will grow beyond the leaf canopy.

Sorry to hear about the troubles.

Chris

Ctopher, I appreciate your thoughtful response. Thank you. Hope we all get some rain soon.

Spruce and pine are shallow rooted. Rototilling will kill the trees. I would suggest moving them out away from the roots as best you can or dig them out and use spin out bags.

Jon

Chris, as always, is right. Hostas and trees (and ?) may have root diameters greater than the above-ground foliage.

hh