Surface roots: I recently planted this 2 yrs old vds fig tree-ish on sept 2. Refill with native soil. 6" raised bed. Top-dressed with "Nature's Care Really Good Compost" between 1"-2" (3 inch linear distant from the trunk maybe 1/8-1/4 inch depth of compost)
One of the pict shows what the surface roots look like as I planted it. When I remove the 1/4 inch mulch, I notice alot more surface roots. This tree is not old and it has recently been planted. Supposely surface roots should not be showing up this fast. Question: should I cover it more with mulch? more soil? What is going on? Explain surface roots for a newly planted tree and what did I do to cause this. Is this good?

The roots wrapping around the trunk should be removed to prevent problems down the road. They are called girdling roots and when larger can affect the health of the tree. The other roots can be covered with soil.

Nothing wrong with having surface roots. If newly grown all it indicates is that zone was moist enough for new roots to form. They don't need to be covered unless it just makes you feel better. Or cut them off if you like. It won't hurt the plant.

For me I'd say it's good and leave as is.

Will cut the girdling roots.  Learning something new every day.

I would not cut anything, especially at this time of year.

I will wait until december then :)
Read of gridling: sounds bad.

gridling roots:

http://grounds-mag.com/mag/grounds_maintenance_identify_treat_girdling/

To avoid girdling roots, whenever I up-pot or transplant to the ground I usually partially bare root the plant and then prune and spread the roots out.  Alternatively a quick and dirty approach is to cut vertically down the rootball in 3-4 locations around the rootball in order to sever the roots the circle around the rootball.  Of course, it is a good idea not to mess with the roots at all in the heat of the summer.

I had a lot of surface roots after applying fertilizer to the surface of my potted figs.    They were also present under an air layer container that was touching the surface.  I don't have enough experience to give you a cause, only observations.  I am sure someone else will have more knowledge.