What Is This Strange Rootlike Material?

Question

Hostas in our shade garden are not thriving. After digging around a couple, we found this strange, matted rootlike material. Do you know what it is?

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Answer 1

Those are feeder roots! That can happen when they get a little crowded, or when the soil needs a little compost to top it off.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/hosta/dividing-hosta-plants.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/prune-roots.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/hosta/how-to-fertilize-a-hosta-plant.htm