u/AthenasKeeper28

I have an oak tree in the backyard that has been surrounded by purple heart and suckers for who knows how long (at least since I moved into my house 2 years ago). I've been playing whack-a-mole with the purple heart because I hate it but also because I learned through this sub that the root flare needs to be exposed. I pulled the purple heart once again but also tried shoveling and raking back the soil. I'm having a hard time because of small roots and suckers. In this case is it fine to cut these to try to get​ better flare exposure? Or should i get an arborist involved so I don't harm the tree? Pictured is what I've managed so far.