Exposed roots on Cottonwood tree

Question

Can you cut exposed roots without hurting a Cottonwood tree

Answer 1

The simple answer is no, you cannot cut roots without harming a tree.

You can add topsoil to help the situation, it it can be repeated each year.
Many time a homeowner can cover the situation with a ground cover planting.
Here are some articles with more information.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/exposed-tree-roots.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/shaving-down-tree-roots.htm