Grinding out the roots is a bad idea. It will hurt the tree and make it more likely to fall over in a strong wind. If your foundation is in good structural order, the maple's roots coming from a distance away are not going to damage it.

If the shrubs under the maple are dying off, it is from shade and thirst. There are plants better adapted to growing in those conditions.

That's what I was afraid of. I was hoping that the part I want removed is far out enough that it would not harm the tree. Thank you for the insights.

Root pruning is done regularly. You just can't compromise the roots so badly the tree blows over.

There are ways. contact an several different arborists. The surface roots are looking for oxygen. One told me that roots wont continue to grow where there is no light, water or oxygen (under a house foundation) .

Root pruning is NOT the same as root grinding and is done under very different circumstances. Do not confuse the two!!

Damage - like the proposed grinding - to a tree's root system can indeed compromise the health of the tree, depending on how it is done and how extensive it is. It opens the tree to a host of soil pathogens (several of which maples are extremely sensitive to) as well as insects and will alter/reduce the tree's ability to take up water and nutrients.

I am not aware of any certified arborists that would recommend this procedure. It is just not a safe or approved practice.

Some very relevant information is how far the tree is from your house exactly?

If the roots are growing into a bed that is close to the foundation, consult an arborist. You may need to have the tree removed.

Let's be very clear. If the home's foundation is structurally secure, there is virtually NO risk of the tree roots interfering with it. When tree roots encounter a solid object - large boulder, concrete foundation wall, designated root barrier or the like - they simply change direction and angle off.

Foundation damage occurs when the foundation is not structurally sound - already cracked or crumbling - or from soil subsidence. Tree roots will not penetrate or dislodge an intact foundation wall.

Not sure you would know the state of the OP's home's foundation. If she had a basement, that would be best as I believe they offer more protection. But foundations age and settle and cracks can occur, as can tiny cracks in pipes, all of which will invite tree roots. It make sense to avoid possible damage by keeping the roots away from the foundation in the first place.

That was my point. And no one is referring to "hoopla". OP needs to be aware of all of these issues, and that is what this forum is for.

on the same logic.. i cant see where BOTTOMING .. lol.. a new term there ... pruning the roots significantly ... that the same argument can be made ...the more root growth you encourage to fill those holes ... we have been whining about such in the hosta world forever ... under the worst maples.. the norways... you cant even grow grass... the most invasive weed in the universe ...

there are a few aggressive ground covers .. that can cope long enough to get established.. and then deal with the situation .. new post if you want to discuss that ...

tree peeps will argue you should never TOP a tree... opening a lot of wounds ... and causing the eventual decline of the tree .. though. .in tree time.. counted in decades .. you might not live long enough to see that happen ...

on the same logic.. i cant see where BOTTOMING .. lol.. a new term there ... pruning the roots significantly ... that the same argument can be made ...

as noted by gal ... roots do not carry little chisels along to break thru foundations or basements ... they go around things ... if you already have problems with such .... the tree can take advantage of such .... but when you boil it down.. that really isnt a tree issue.. its a house issue ...

soooo .. you have to separate your two issues... garden and house.. and deal with them accordingly.. but dont confuse the two.. when making decisions ... start a new post on teh gardening issue ... include pix.. and big city location ... and we can go from there ...

if you want to discuss the tree have a certified arborist come and give you the lowdown on the tree.. and we could discuss such ... but we arent going to do that based on you original post ... money well spent for peace of mind ....

https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/arboristsearch

ken

The roots in flower bed are a side issue. I love pretty but it ain't the end be all. I have a different type of maple in my back yard and I know I can't grow anything near it. We coexist peacefully. But the above ground roots headed toward the Foundation appear to be very large and that is troublesome to me. I am scheduling a visit from the arborist to see what my options are. I'm hoping they can prune the roots without exorbitant pricing. Thanks

Please let us know how this progresses.