Cover exposed tree roots with wood chips

Q: We have an ancient sycamore under which the soil has eroded. Recently, when we cleared the greenery growing under it, we discovered that the long, thick tree roots are exposed more than may be healthy for the tree. Should we cover the roots from the base of the trunk outwards? And if so, with what?

A: It will not hurt the tree particularly to leave the roots uncovered but they will be a little bit more protected with a covering of arborist chips or pine chips. The area under the tree will look lots more attractive.