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One would need to have awareness of (see) a whole area. Show the other trees in the area.

I don't expect tulip poplars to have surface roots showing above ground. Has erosion occurred in this area?

I‘m not sure. We just moved in.

Would roots grow perpendicular to the tree like that? I thought they’d trend outward in a circle.

I too would need to see the whole area to even make a guess.

Are they living cut into one and see if it is even alive . What is the plan for the area? I was not familiar with tulip poplars so did some searching. It apears they have shallow roots and as they grow they get to be less stale in wind storms because they get top heavy, the one you have looks very tall so I think I would remove it if it is anywhere near the house. My guess is those roots could very well belong to that that tree, roots find the spot of least resistance to grow.

Probably from that tree -- they may grow straight out, but they branch and wander after that, wherever the water is. Looks like there's been erosion.

I’m considering leveling the terrain surrounding this tree and am interested in putting a stone patio. Can‘t really excavate and level with these roots there.

The property is on a hill so there are plenty of retaining walls built, but it seems like some erosion could’ve happened here.

I read that tulip poplars are prone to falling as well. Not cools because this one i