build pond-tree

Question
I have dug out my pond and made sure there is enough sunlight, sloping, etc, but I did not take in account my Maple Tree's roots.  The pond comes withing two feet of the tree and roots are in the some of the area I dug out.
Is there ANYTHING I can do to keep the tree alive and continue with my production????????

Before putting in the liner can I put sand, carpet, etc to stop the roots from puncturing/growing into the liner??

I can really use this help.
Thanks for your time and consideration

Brian

Answer
Hello Brian!
The tree will not know that there is water on the other end of the liner. As long as the liner does not develop a leak you will be fine. If the liner does develop a leak the roots will find that leak and make it bigger.
Whether or not your tree will survive is outside my expertise. It depends how many roots were cut and how much weight the rest of the roots have to bear, I would imagine.
But an arborist would know more about that.
I am sure one can be found here at allexperts.
You should be fine with the pond, though, you have taken plenty of pre-cautions.