How to Remove Tree Roots Without Killing the Tree

A tree is important to homeowners as it cleans the air by filtering dust, getting rid of airborne pollutants, and providing shade. However, its roots can cause nightmares as they grow on the surface, searching for water. Tree roots tend to stretch far and wide, thereby giving trees a strong foundation. While homeowners enjoy the beauty that is brought about by the presence of trees in their garden, at times, they may become a nuisance. Once the roots have grown, they can show up on the ground and grow on lawns, driveways, sidewalks, patios, or other concrete structures. This may end up causing problems like damaging lawnmowers and consuming nutrients from the grass and other plants.

While this is the case, you may still want to enjoy the benefits of staying with the tree in your compound but find it not possible due to the damages the roots could be causing. So some people wonder if they can get rid of the destructive roots and still keep the tree. According to Lawn Starter, the good news is that you can remove the roots without killing a tree. But how is this possible? Read on to find out. Getting the best method to remove tree roots in your compound can be tricky. Depending on how deep the roots have grown, the task may either be quite easy or complicated. Since prevention is always the key, solving the problem earlier before it causes more harm can save you a lot. The only solution to the damages caused by the roots of a tree that has grown in one’s compound or elsewhere is to remove the roots.

Removing the Tree Roots

Note that roots can divert in any direction leading to damage to your property. A practical method is to prevent the uncontrolled growth of these roots. However, identifying ways to get rid of tree roots can be a real headache to homeowners, especially if you were not the one who planted the tree. At times people buy properties with trees in them.

Removing tree roots is challenging especially when you want to carry out the process without causing harm to the tree. However, the fact that it is hard does not mean that it is impossible. According to Peppershome and Garden, if you want to get rid of your tree roots safely, consider the following rules:

• Try to avoid getting rid of those roots that are closer to the tree trunk. Cutting further from the trunk makes it easier for your tree to recover. If you cut closer to the tree trunk, chances are you will cause harm to the tree itself, and it may fail to recover.
• Avoid cutting those roots in the range of 5 feet (1.5 meters) from the trunk, if your trees exceed 15 feet (4.5 meters) tall,
• Avoid cutting roots that range 2 feet (60 cm) from the trunk of your trees are less than 15 feet tall.
• If the tree whose roots you want to cut exceed 15 feet do not cut roots more than 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter.
• Avoid cutting roots that measure more than the thickness of a pencil if the trees are less than 15 feet.

Not all situations can lead to one cutting down the root of a tree. It is advisable to cut down tree roots only when it is necessary. Some of the circumstances that may call for one to cut down the roots of a tree include the following:

• If a tree is exceedingly occupying more space in the yard where it is located, it ought to be.
• If a tree seems to be growing down much closer to the foundation of your property.
• If you are planning on removing those tree roots that you consider as being more exposed.

According to Tree Removal, if you decide to get rid of tree roots in your compound, consider following the following instructions:

• Examine the root you want to remove – since you do not want to kill the tree, ensure that you carefully examine the tree roots. Pay attention to the rules that can guarantee safety while cutting the roots of a tree. Only cut down those that may not cause damage to the tree. You can determine the roots that can not cause harm to the tree by considering the tips mentioned above.
• Ensure that you identify the right point for cutting the root – do not just start cutting down the roots but make a point of measuring the diameter of your tree trunk, which is measured in inches. After measuring, go ahead and multiply the measurement that you get by eight. What you obtain as the total will represent the closest distance to cut the desired root safely.
• After successfully identifying the right place for cutting the root, then go ahead and mark it – Mark the root area to remove using spray paint or colored chalk.
• With the help of a tiny spade, get rid of the soil from surrounding the root- this is the area where you are planning to cut the root.
• Get a root saw –the saw will help you remove the root where you made a mark for cutting purposes.
• Carefully hold the tree root and pull it up. You may have to do this until you completely cut it repeatedly and once you are done, pull it out. There may be a need to use a spade to assist in the process of clearing away soil.
• After removing the root, ensure to fill up the resulting trench as a precautionary measure.

Can Tree Roots Grow Back After They Are Cut?

After removing tree roots, in some cases, tree roots will tend to grow. This is likely to happen when the small roots are cut a few feet from a tree trunk. By following the tips mentioned above, you can get rid of unwanted roots. Repeat the procedure if they grow back after removing them.