How do I deal with the shallow roots from a neighbor's tree invading my yard?

Before you chop up the roots be aware that if you kill the tree you could be in serious legal trouble. Even if removing the roots did not kill the tree chances are great that they will return. There are other things you can do although you may not like it. You can built up the area with extra soil to cover the roots. Another thing is that you can talk to your neighbor about having it removed. Offer to pay for the removal and they may agree, or offer to pay half. We had a tree hanging over our house that was dying but it was not ours so we talked to the owners and they agreed to split the cost of having the tree removed. Of course you are looking at somewhere between $200-$400+ depending on the size of the tree. Just depends on how badly you want to get rid of it.

If you wanted to be nasty, you could actually by law have them cut and remove the tree and its roots. But you sound like a nice person so I'm sure you don't want to do this.

The next best thing you can do is call a tree service company to come out and look at the roots and suggest the best way to go about this. He/she can also tell you if the roots are going to grow back. Ask them for a free estimate if you decide to let them do the work.

You could build raised flower beds under the tree and over the roots. Plant beautiful hostas (http://www.perennialnursery.com/index.html)

Raised flower beds:

A raised bed is a mound of prepared soil 6 to 8 inches high (or taller). It can be made permanent by edging with wood, stones, logs or bricks. The soil in a raised bed is more porous because no one ever steps into the bed to pack it down. This allows good drainage so that air, water, and fertilizer will penetrate to the roots more easily.

You'll find that your raised bed is more attractive and easier to maintain than conventional row gardens. Cultivating is easy since you'll be able to reach into every corner of your bed and pull young weeds as they appear, and succession planting will eliminate bare spots.

My husband and I buy bags of potting soil for our's. It does not pack down as badly as soil. Something you can't get good soil unless it is something such as Miracle-Gro.

We use the Miracle-Gro potting soil with plant food added. You can buy this at nurseries and gardening centers. Add some slow realease fertilizer next spring just before planting, be sure to soak it in. Be sure to read the directions on the container.

Sounds like a Ficus tree to me. Very invasive roots. You can dig/axe/cut the roots and it won't damage the tree. My experience has been the same roots will not grow back but no guarantee. The possibility of new roots developing is also a reality but probably remote with the root system you described.

You might also think about using a stump grinder or hiring someone to use one to help with the large root clusters you mentioned.

I was told by my contractors that rock salt (as is used in winter) helps prevent tree roots from spreading...it has something to do with blocking access to water I think. Hope this helps. In terms of legal recourse, my suggestion would be to send a written request for action to the neighbors with a clear date established within the wording...e.g., (Today's date) Dear >>>>, As you are aware, I spoke to you on _______(date) to ask if you would ______________(take action), but so far there has been no response. This written request is again asking if you will ....(list the action you want these neighors to take and state the damages that have been incurred due to their lack of action thus far). Sign it with your name and then send it by registered mail, so you can prove the date they received your request. By including the conversation and date in your text, you now have a better chance of proving the situation was discussed at an earlier date, which may be important in court if there is a suit---any settlement may be retroactive to the conversation date cited in your registered letter.