What is this network of root everywhere?!?

[Anonymous]

I just bought my first home. I was always in condos so it's also my first lawn. I'm beyond baffled by the endless network of roots that are throughout and layers deep on top of each other in my backyard. At first, I was certain it was bamboo because we had a few trees (stalks?) at the edge of our fence behind bushes. I cut those out and tried to follow the roots and rhizomes but it was endless. Today I went on another mission on the other side of the lawn - probably about 30 feet away from where the bamboo was and i couldn't stop finding networks of root. Some led to super thick branch-like limbs (~2inch diameter) that if it weren't for the fact that the closest tree was also about 30ft away and on the other side of a shed, i would have assumed was a tree root.

The thickness varies widely but most have those networks of fine root like rhizomes coming off them. And they are white and pulpy inside with a brown or reddish outside color (although one root network was bright yellow). There are also a bunch of these completely dried out and prunish knobs throughout the yard. They appear dead (whatever they are) and easily break out of the soil, often without a network attached- just a few inches of thick clawlike roots.

The soil has a tendency to be super damp and loose so it hasn't been hard to pull them up but i literally filled two wheelbarrows in less than half an hour today just randomly picking. I wanted to lay grass seed but now I'm wondering if I need to tackle this alien root first. At least I've loosened up all the soil for grass seed!

According to a google earth shot of the backyard over a decade ago, there once was a ridiculous amount of green everywhere back there. Not grass but what seems like mid-calf height green plants of some sort. It looks unkept and wild from the shot but who knows.

To add to the mystery, i keep finding random pieces of stone, slate, glass, and brick in the soil. Is there any reason for that? This was never a party house- it was owned by husband-wife professionals. SO confusing!

[Anonymous]

2 inch diameter roots sounds like a tree to me.

I find random debris in my yard too. It's from old construction - that stuff doesn't really break down.

[Anonymous]

http://www.deeproot.com/blog/blog-entries/how-wide-do-tree-roots-spread

[Anonymous]

So, i should leave all the roots alone? They seemed so much like bamboo! Very invasive whatever it is. The closest tree about 30feet away is a very very tall but relatively skinny pine tree- I'm actually planning to have it assessed soon because I feel as though it's not doing well.

[Anonymous]

I'd go about it the other way: look for plants you don't like, and then follow their roots. Otherwise, ignore randoms roots in the soil. I'm perplexed by the dry knob things. Basically, I think you probably have lots of different plants you are seeing. I'd just watch this spring and see what comes up. There may be wonderful things in there!