Specialized root structures of bald cypress that grow vertically
above water or moist soil. It is thought that these structures
aid the oxygen/carbon dioxide exchange in the roots. | Bald
Cypress - knees Montezuma Cypress - no knees Q: I have bald
cypress trees in my yard. The root nodules are becoming a
problem with my lawn mower. Would it damage the trees if I
trimmed them off at ground level? B.D., Dallas. A: Yes, the
knees are part of the root system. Change the area to mulch or
ground cover and try to dry out the soil. The knees grow in
overly moist soil. QUESTION: I have a bald cypress, and the
roots are coming out of the ground all around the yard. Some are
close to the tree and some are far away. The roots come out of
the ground for about 12 inches or less and then go back into the
ground. How can I keep this from happening? Can I cut the roots
that are already protruding without hurting the tree? K.E., Fort
Worth ANSWER: This is a characteristic of bald cypress. Their
roots always do this to some deg