Sugar Maple roots spreading out on all sides. These trees are shallow rooted with no tap root directly under their trunks. That is why the roots spread out right at the base to support the tree.
These trees are all on my property. They grew from seeds that had blown there from large maples that once were planted along the road, years ago. Today there is only one left but with little life left in it.
I like the bold look it gives of anchoring it'self.