What Happens to Roots After Stump Grinding

After stump grinding, the visible portion of the tree is removed, but the roots remain underground. These roots will decompose over several years, enriching the soil with nutrients. However, some roots may sprout new growth depending on the tree species. This article explores what happens to roots after stump grinding, including their decay process and potential for new growth.

Key Takeaways

• Stump grinding removes the visible stump while leaving the roots intact underground, which can lead to challenges in replanting or construction due to their horizontal spread.
• Remaining roots decompose naturally over time, enriching the soil with nutrients, although certain tree species may sprout new growth from these roots, complicating management efforts.
• Effective management of root regrowth after stump grinding includes strategies such as chemical treatments, regular monitoring, and seeking professional arborist assistance to maintain landscape health.

Understanding Stump Grinding

Stump grinding involves:

• Using a machine to remove tree stumps by chipping away at the wood, effectively turning it into small woodchips.
• It is primarily used for tree stump removal in gardens and landscapes, making it a popular choice due to its efficiency and minimal disruption.
• Focusing on removing the visible part of the stump just below ground level, unlike other methods.
• Leaving the tree roots intact underground.

The stump grinding process produces wood chips, which can be utilized in various ways around your yard, such as for mulching or composting. Knowing how stump grinders operate and their immediate effect on tree roots helps you appreciate why this method is preferred for tree removal.

How Stump Grinders Work

A rotating disc with sharp teeth chips away at the wood, converting stumps into mulch. These machines are designed to be efficient, making the stump removal process quick and relatively simple. Professional stump grinding services utilize an industrial-grade stump grinder, ensuring the job is done effectively and thoroughly. The grinding action of the machine helps achieve a finer mulch.

Professionals handle this heavy machinery to ensure safety and precision during the process. The rotating blades efficiently turn stumps into manageable mulch for various landscaping uses.

Immediate Effects on the Tree’s Roots

Immediately after stump grinding:

• The visible roots of the tree remain intact while the stump itself is removed.
• This leaves a network of roots spread horizontally in the ground.
• The horizontal spread of these roots can pose challenges for replanting or construction in the area where the tree once stood.
• These complications are especially relevant if you plan to plant new trees or undertake construction projects in the same spot.

The remaining roots, although no longer connected to a living tree, still occupy ground space and can influence soil conditions. Understanding their presence and immediate effects is important when planning future landscaping or construction projects. There are efficient ways to kill and remove tree roots, but addressing these roots early ensures a stable foundation for whatever comes next in your yard.

What Happens to Roots After Stump Grinding?

Stump grinding removes the visible part of the stump, leaving the roots underground. These remaining roots will undergo a natural process of decomposition over time, gradually enriching the soil with valuable nutrients. However, the roots can also potentially sprout new growth, depending on their health and the specific tree species.

Decomposing roots release essential nutrients into the soil, thereby supporting the local ecosystem’s health. This process can take several years and is influenced by various factors, such as the size of the root system and soil quality.

Root Decay Process

The decomposition of tree roots can span several years, typically ranging from 5 to 10 years for complete natural decay to occur. The size and maturity of the root system significantly impact the rate of decay, with larger roots generally taking longer to decompose. Mature root systems often have a more complex structure, which can impact how quickly they decompose.

Well-aerated soil encourages microbial activity, speeding up the natural decomposition process of tree roots. As stump grindings decompose, they release important nutrients like nitrogen, calcium, and potassium, which benefit surrounding plants and enhance soil health. This gradual breakdown of organic matter supports overall soil fertility and plant growth.

Potential for Root Sprouting

After stump grinding, some well-established roots can remain alive and might sprout new shoots. Certain tree species are more likely to produce new sprouts from their roots, including:

• Crepe myrtles
• Willow trees
• Poplars
• Elms
• Maples
• Oaks
• Chinese Pistache.
• This potential for regrowth can complicate removal efforts, as new trees could sprout from these remaining roots.

If you see new sprouts around the stump grinding area, monitor their growth. Decide if you want to let them grow or remove them. Managing this new growth promptly can prevent potential tripping hazards and maintain the aesthetic appeal of your landscape.

Impact on Nearby Plants and Soil

Applying a 3–6 inch layer of stump grindings as mulch can significantly benefit soil health by regulating temperature, retaining moisture, and suppressing weed growth — all of which create a more favorable environment for nearby plants.

However, when preparing the area for grass planting, it’s important to remove sawdust and excess wood chips first, as they can deplete nitrogen levels essential for grass growth. Incorporating organic matter and topsoil into the loosened soil improves its structure and nutrient content, ensuring better results for lawn or garden restoration.

Loosening the soil makes it easier to incorporate organic matter and topsoil into the area.

Factors Influencing Root Behavior Post-Grinding

Several factors influence the behavior of tree roots after stump grinding. The species of the tree, the condition of the root system, and the quality of the soil all play significant roles in determining whether roots will decompose naturally or sprout new growth. Effective management strategies, including chemical treatments and regular monitoring, can mitigate unwanted regrowth and support soil health.

After stump grinding, monitoring root regrowth is important to maintain a healthy and attractive landscape. Back after stump grinding, consulting with a professional arborist can provide valuable insights and tailored strategies for managing residual roots effectively.

Tree Species Characteristics

Species like oaks and maples are more likely to sprout new growth from their roots after stump grinding. Willows and maples, known for their vigorous roots, are more likely to sprout after stump grinding. The likelihood of sprouting from a mature tree’s root system is higher for species with aggressive roots.

Conversely, many trees have non-aggressive roots that limit their post-grinding sprouting ability due to their aggressive nature. Understanding the characteristics of the aggressive tree species in your yard can help predict and manage potential root regrowth effectively.

Soil Quality and Fertility

Soil quality significantly influences root behavior after stump grinding in the following ways:

• Nutrient-rich soil increases the chances of root sprouting and regrowth.
• Decomposing tree roots add organic matter to the soil.
• This organic matter enhances soil fertility and supports new plant growth.

However, new tree growth from remaining roots can compete with nearby plants for nutrients and water. Balancing soil quality and managing root regrowth are crucial for maintaining a healthy and vibrant garden.

Size and Maturity of Root System

The size and maturity of the root system significantly affect its decomposition and regrowth potential after stump grinding. Mature root systems have a more extensive and complex structure, which can prolong the decay process. Full maturity of the root system increases the chance of root sprouting after stump grinding.

For example, maple and oak trees have strong root systems that can support growth up to 20 feet, making them more likely to produce new sprouts. Knowing the maturity and size of the large roots helps in planning effective management strategies to support the tree’s growth.

Managing Root Regrowth

Root regrowth management includes techniques such as:

• Chemical treatments, including the application of herbicides to stumps to inhibit root regrowth and prevent regrowth
• Regular monitoring to identify new sprouts that may emerge
• Seeking professional assistance

Removing leftover plant material from the stump area helps prevent diseases. A professional arborist can offer customized solutions for managing stubborn tree roots.

Using Chemical Treatments

Herbicides like glyphosate and triclopyr effectively prevent stump sprouting. These herbicides can be applied to the remaining root area to inhibit regrowth and accelerate the decomposition process.

Potassium nitrate-based chemical stump removers can hasten stump decomposition. Using chemical treatments effectively can help manage roots after stump grinding and prevent unwanted regrowth.

Regular Monitoring and Maintenance

After stump grinding, it’s crucial to check for new sprouts regularly to manage potential regrowth. Routine checks for signs of new root growth can help address regrowth before it becomes problematic, especially to determine if they grow back after the stump is removed.

Maintaining the surrounding area by watching for sprouting roots and managing their growth will eventually become time-consuming, but it requires elbow grease and is essential.

Professional Assistance

Consulting a professional arborist is essential for effective root management after stump grinding. Professional arborists can offer customized solutions for managing stubborn tree roots and provide tailored advice on managing root regrowth effectively.

Hiring professionals ensures that the stump removal process and subsequent root management are handled expertly, saving you time and effort. An arborist offers tailored strategies for managing residual roots.

Utilizing Stump Grindings

The stump grinding process produces a pile of wood chips, which can be utilized in various ways around your yard. Wood chips retain moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds, benefiting yard care.

Using wood chips as a natural mulch helps retain moisture and suppresses weeds in gardens. By making use of stump grindings, you can enhance the health and aesthetics of your garden.

Mulching

Applying a 3-6 inch layer of stump grindings as mulch helps retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weed growth. To maximize benefits, ensure an even distribution of the mulch layer around plants.

Stump grindings effectively improve garden health and aesthetics when used as mulch. This natural mulch supports soil fertility and provides a sustainable way to utilize the wood chips produced during stump grinding.

Composting

Adding decomposed tree roots to compost enriches the soil with nutrients, improving its overall quality. As tree roots decompose, they release essential nutrients back into the soil, which aids in the composting process.

Mixing stump grindings into compost piles enhances decomposition and adds organic material. Ensure wood chips from stump grinding are well-mixed into compost piles to facilitate decay and aeration.

Planting Grass After Stump Grinding

Wood chips from stump grinding can be used for various purposes:

• Filling holes left by stump removal
• Serving various landscaping purposes
• Improving garden aesthetics
• Supporting new grass growth

Preparing the ground and planting grass in areas with removed stumps enhances both lawn appearance and soil health.

Preparing the Ground

To ensure healthy and even grass growth:

• Level the ground to prevent uneven grass growth after planting.
• Add fertilizer during soil preparation to promote healthy grass growth.
• Note that grass seeds typically take between 5 and 30 days to germinate, depending on conditions.

Wood chips and sawdust take about a year to compost or break down after stump grinding. Proper ground preparation ensures even and healthy growth of new grass.

Seeding and Maintenance

Grass seeds need consistent moisture after planting to avoid drying out and ensure proper growth. Regular watering is vital during grass seed germination, with once or twice daily watering to keep the soil moist. Using a hand spreader for even seed distribution improves the chances of successful grass growth.

New grass competes with surrounding plants for nutrients, so regular monitoring and maintenance are important for healthy development. By following these steps, you can achieve a lush, green lawn after stump grinding.

Tree Root and Stump Grinding Summary

Stump grinding efficiently removes the visible portion of a tree stump, yet it leaves the underground roots intact. These roots naturally decompose over time, enriching the soil with nutrients. However, depending on the tree species, some roots may sprout new growth. Factors like soil quality, tree type, and root maturity influence the behavior of the remaining root system. Homeowners can manage potential regrowth through chemical treatments, consistent monitoring, or professional intervention. Repurposing the resulting wood chips as mulch or compost can further enhance soil health. With proper ground preparation and lawn care, you can restore a smooth, vibrant yard. Understanding this process is essential for effective post-removal landscape management.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to tree roots after stump grinding?

After stump grinding, tree roots remain underground and decompose over time, enriching the soil, but they may also regenerate new growth depending on the tree species.

Can tree roots sprout new growth after stump grinding?

Certain tree species with vigorous root systems, like willows and maples, can indeed sprout new growth from the remaining roots after stump grinding. This potential for regrowth should be considered when planning tree removal.

How can I prevent root regrowth after stump grinding?

To prevent root regrowth after stump grinding, it is effective to use systemic herbicides and to monitor for any new sprouts regularly. Consulting with a professional arborist may also provide tailored strategies for your specific situation.

How can I use stump grindings in my garden?

Using stump grindings in your garden as mulch can effectively retain moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds. Additionally, they can be added to compost to enhance soil quality.

What should I do to prepare the ground for planting grass after stump grinding?

To effectively prepare the ground for planting grass after stump grinding, it is essential to level the area, remove sawdust and wood chips, and add fertilizer, while ensuring consistent moisture for the seeds. This will provide the necessary nutrients for healthy grass growth.

Todd’s Marietta Tree Services

Marietta, GA
(678) 505-0266

Originally published on: https://www.toddsmariettatreeservices.com/what-happens-roots-after-stump-grinding/

How Do Trees Grow?

Simply put, trees grow up, trees grow out, and trees grow down. In one form or another, trees are always growing throughout their lifecycle, and do so until their death.

Knowing how they grow can improve your landscaping and gardening practices. Our team at Todd’s Marietta Tree Services constructed practical information below about tree growth and will dispel some common myths.

Do Trees Grow from the Bottom Up?

Yes. Trees do grow from the bottom up in the sense that the roots are transporting the “growth” building blocks up the trunk, through the limbs, and to the extremities of the tree.

However, the answer is NO when considering that tree growth occurs from its extremities. Consider the following:

Root Growth – Roots grow outward and down from their tips (similar to how limbs and branches grow longer). As roots grow and age, they thicken (much like the trunk does).

The roots of a tree are able to spread out and grow far beyond the tree’s dripline (the outer edges of the canopy).

Root activities almost exclusively support the growth of a tree. Four primary functions of tree roots are:

• To seek out sources of water and nutrients.
• To store glucose in the colder months (when growth is all but halted).
• To participate in the underground ecosystem through mycorrhizal associations or root grafting.
• To anchor the tree to the ground.

Trunk Growth – The trunk doesn’t stretch or grow upward. It does thicken though, and it adds two rings as each year passes. One light ring during the growth period and one dark ring as it slows down for winter or dormancy.

When looking at a cross-section of a cut down tree, you can tell how old the tree was when it died by counting one light and one dark ring for each year from the outside inward.

A common misconception is that tree trunks stretch upward as they get taller, when in fact they do not. If you were to pin a medal on the trunk at exactly five feet up from the root flare, it would still be exactly five feet up from the root flare fifty years or one hundred years later.

Branch and Limb – Growth in length happens within meristem tissues located at the tips of branches, stems, and twigs. These specialized tissues facilitate the upward growth of the tree, as well as the expansion of the tree’s canopy.

Branches and limbs grow in diameter through the vascular cambium within the bark. Very similar to how a trunk grows in diameter.

Do Trees Grow All Year?

While different species of trees will follow slightly different growth patterns, the answer is yes. Trees are continuously growing throughout the year.

Springtime – Foliage, limbs, and branches grow at high speeds in the spring.

Summertime – This is when trunk and limb diameter growth takes place.

Fall and Wintertime – As the trunk, branches, limbs, and foliage stop growing, the roots continue to expand outward and down throughout the coldest months of the year.

How Do Trees Get Their Mass?

It’s principally carbon. Without carbon, trees could not exist. Every time you exhale, you are providing the building blocks for a tree’s mass. Carbon dioxide (captured from the air) and water (sent to the leaves by the roots) bond together within the leaves of a tree to form carbon molecules.

During photosynthesis, energy from sunlight is transformed into chemical energy and captured within the bonds of those carbon molecules.

Those carbon molecules along with hydrogen and oxygen comprise the tree’s food source known as glucose. Each glucose molecule contains six oxygen atoms, six carbon atoms, and twelve hydrogen atoms.

Once a tree has satisfied the activities which keep it alive (cellular respiration), whatever carbon molecules (glucose) are left over are used in the growth process, adding to its mass.

Carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus together comprise nearly all of a tree’s mass.

Tree Growth, Sunlight, Balance, and Longevity

While there are many facets that comprise a tree’s mechanisms, it is sunlight that is the driving force behind it all. Throughout the entire lifespan of a tree, it will depend on the sun for energy to grow and thrive.

Tree growth is symmetrical by nature. Throughout the life of a tree, its growth is consistently seeking balance. Trees will not grow beyond their capacity to support themselves. When stressed they will shed leaves, flowers, fruit and even drop entire branches.

Speaking of thriving, the lifespan of a tree depends primarily on its species and the environment it is growing in. While some palms live to about sixty years old, some pine species make it to well over five thousand years old. And there is increasing evidence that an ancient clonal grove of aspen trees called “Pando” is upwards of eighty thousand years old.

Sources:
https://projects.ncsu.edu/project/treesofstrength/treefact.htm
http://www.dof.virginia.gov/infopubs/_forest-facts/FF-How-A-Tree-Grows_pub.pdf
https://askabiologist.asu.edu/questions/what-oldest-living-thing-earth

https://plus.google.com/+Toddsmariettatreeservices

Todd’s Marietta Tree Services

200 Cobb Pkwy N Ste 428 Marietta, GA 30062
(678) 505-0266

Originally published on: http://www.toddsmariettatreeservices.com/how-do-trees-grow/

Tree Protection Instructions During Construction, Landscaping, and Hardscaping Projects

Construction, landscaping, and hardscaping projects all involve some level of planning and in many cases, the acquisition of land disturbance permits. Part of the planning for such projects should include the protection of existing trees on the site.

Nearly every municipality and county (nationwide) has created, adopted, or adapted a set of ordinances or codes which regulate how existing trees should be protected during land disturbance activities.

These ordinances serve to protect the health and vitality of trees, which is optimal when a tree’s roots and trunk are kept from being damaged and soil compaction is avoided.

The team at Todd’s Marietta Tree Services has compiled the following information to help you better understand the need to protect your trees, the ordinances that require it, and how to go about it during a construction or landscaping project.

Tree Ordinances Mandate Protection

Embedded within the municipal ordinances of nearly every city and county, you will find verbiage addressing tree protection, preservation, and removal. You will also find ordinances which address land disturbance activities, typically including the same concerns.

A great example can be found in the Marietta, Georgia Code of Ordinances under Zoning Ordinance in Division 712 section 8. The following are relevant tree protection excerpts from the section:

712.08 – Tree protection and landscaping.

… “D. Tree Preservation and Replacement.
A tree protection and landscaping plan shall be submitted with all other permit drawings as part of the building permit process on any non-exempt parcel of land.”…

… “All tree protection measures shall be installed prior to land disturbance and no land disturbance permit shall be issued for full site development without it being determined that the proposed development is in compliance with the provisions of these regulations.”…

… “E. Methods of Tree Protection.
1. The protective zone for designated tree save areas shall include no less than the total area beneath the canopy drip line of the tree(s).
2. Construction site activities such as material storage, concrete washout, burnhole placement, etc., may not encroach into designated tree protective zones.”…

… “F. Protective Barriers.
1. Prior to any land disturbance, active tree protective fencing shall be installed so that it surrounds the critical root zones of all protected tree zones, which is defined as the area beneath the canopy drip line”…

For a land disturbance summary and Marietta, Ga ordinance see: toddsmariettatreeservices.com/removal-permit-ordinance/marietta-ga/

Tree Root and Trunk Damage

Depending on soil conditions and the species of the tree, some roots will grow very close to the ground surface. Over time, they may protrude or be partially exposed.

Damage to these roots by vehicles, lawn mowers, or improper root cutting exposes the tree to fungal infection and pest infestation.

Likewise, damage to the trunk of a tree that cuts through or removes its bark may result in the same type of infections or infestations. Furthermore, if enough of the bark is removed from around the tree, girdling is likely to occur leading to the death of the tree. No equipment should ever be parked or stacked against a tree.

Girdling occurs when enough of the phloem (thin layer of sugars and nutrients beneath tree bark) is either removed or compressed to the point that it can no longer transport its sugars and nutrients throughout the tree.

Soil Compaction and Root Death

Tree roots depend on 3 components being present in the soil; nutrients, water, and air. When deprived of any of these components for long enough, the roots will die. The death of roots in this manner seriously compromises the health and stability of a tree.

Soil compaction occurs when heavy equipment, vehicles, or containers are stored, parked, or driven over the dirt. Compacted soil does not allow air or water to penetrate it, thus rendering the soil a sort of “death trap” for the existing roots within it.

Protective Barriers around Trees

Before the beginning of any construction, landscaping, or hardscaping project, protective tree fences or barriers should be properly erected around existing trees on the site.

All specifications within your local ordinances and permit should be adhered to at all times. Failure to properly protect trees may lead to the cancellation of your permit, fines, and/or the need to reapply for a permit.

The process of acquiring a tree permit from your local municipality is outlined in detail here: www.treeremovalpermit.com

Barrier Placement – Barriers should be placed just outside the drip line (outside of the extremity of the canopy) all the way around the tree. While feeder roots extend far beyond the drip line, it is the roots from the drip line to the trunk which must be protected from soil compaction and physical damage.

Types of Barriers – While specifications may vary from ordinance to ordinance, some of the common barrier attributes are as follows:

• Barrier fencing must be at least 4 feet in height, entirely encompassing the tree.
• Barrier material should be either wood and post, polyethylene fencing, chainlink, traffic barriers, or interlocking temporary fencing.
• Fencing should be labeled “Tree Protection Zone” or “Tree Protective Zone”.
• Tree barriers should be erected before any activity begins and removed only after all site work has been completed.

In addition to erecting the barriers, all contractors and sub-contractors should be notified of tree protection zones on the work site. Their blatant or inadvertent encroachment on these zones may constitute an ordinance violation which could potentially void your permit.

Watch this video to learn more about soil compaction at construction sites and how to protect tree roots.

Tree Health and Safety Is Everyone’s Responsibility

The trees within a city help to reduce air pollution, slow soil erosion, provide shade, filter impurities from ground water, promote a heathy ecosystem, and provide shelter for wildlife.

Tree ordinances and codes are written to offer guidelines for the proper care, preservation, or removal of trees when necessary. Ultimately, these codes are in place to preserve the overall canopy of a city.

Whether it be pruning, watering, mulching, fertilizing, or building a barrier around trees on a construction site, taking steps to keep trees healthy and safe is a responsibility that all residents share.

Source:
https://library.municode.com/ga/marietta/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_ZOOR_DIV712SUUSRE_712.08TRPRLA

https://plus.google.com/+Toddsmariettatreeservices

Todd’s Marietta Tree Services

200 Cobb Pkwy N Ste 428 Marietta, GA 30062
(678) 505-0266

Originally published on: http://www.toddsmariettatreeservices.com/protection-instructions-construction-landscaping-hardscaping/

Tree Root Killing, Removal, and Cutting

Killing tree roots, removing them, and cutting them are three ways to control the growth of roots, and the damage they can cause to driveways, retainer walls, and home foundations.

Each of these actions has the potential to solve your principle problem, while creating another one. In this article, we will discuss each option and how it affects your tree and landscape. We will also provide several alternatives which could potentially solve your root problems.

Identifying Your Root Problem

In their constant quest for moisture and nutrients, roots will grow in some inconvenient places. Depending on soil compaction and quality, they will adapt and change growth behavior. The following are common scenarios of root damage and undesired growth:

Roots Growing on Ground Surface – As tree roots mature and as natural soil erosion or compaction occurs, the roots may become exposed along the ground.

Roots Growing Under Foundation – When roots grow under a home’s foundation, they will thicken as they age and continue to grow. This growth exerts an upward force on the foundation, partially raising it, bending, or warping it until it cracks.

In the event you are dealing with a mature tree planted too close to your home, this page offers further insight into resolving your problem.

Roots Buckling and Cracking Sidewalks and Driveways – The way roots grow under and damage a structure’s foundation, they can efficiently do the same to a concrete driveway or sidewalk.

The Tree Root System

Whether surface roots or underground destructive roots are the issue, take a moment to learn the importance of the roots in relation to the tree’s health before killing, removing, or cutting them.

• More than 25% of a mature trees’ mass is found in its root system.
• The majority of those roots remain from 6 to 18in below ground surface.
• Injured roots are susceptible to disease or infestation. This directly impacts the health of the tree, potentially leading to its decline and eventual death.

The two types of roots found below ground are:

• Feeder Roots – which transfer and store moisture and nutrients from the soil.
• Structural Roots – which stabilize or anchor the tree to the ground (these are the larger of the roots)

Killing Tree Roots

Option 1: Cut Down the Tree

“Once a tree has been cut down, roots can no longer grow.” The idea here is that they are dependent on the leaves photosynthesizing the fuel that drives their growth. Two potential exceptions to this are:

Tree Sprouts (Suckers) – These look like seedlings or offspring but are “clones” of the tree growing from the roots. With enough foliage, the roots may survive.

Neighboring Tree Association – There is evidence that shows the possibility of neighboring tree roots making associations with each other. This occurs through root grafting as they run into one another. This association has the potential to sustain the felled tree’s roots for continued growth.

Option 2: Use Herbicides

A very effective way to kill more of the root system (than simply cutting down the tree) is through the use of herbicides. The following video demonstrates an effective herbicide delivery method.

In the summer or early fall, when the tree still has leaves producing food, cut notches around the lower portion of the tree trunk. You only need to cut deep enough to reach the phloem (phloem is the tissue responsible for transporting food to the roots).

Apply the herbicide to the notches and allow two to three weeks before having the tree removed.

This type of herbicide can be found at your local gardening store and will come labeled specifically for this purpose. As with any chemical, be sure to read and follow all use and safety instructions.

Killing roots through the use of herbicides may cause serious collateral damage to neighboring trees. If their root systems have made associations with each other. The herbicide could potentially travel from one tree to another resulting in the decline or death of the other (otherwise healthy) tree.

If there are several trees in your yard or landscape, have them evaluated by a tree service professional before using herbicides in this manner.

Tree Root Removal – How to Safely Do It

There are two principle lines of thought for root removal:

Tree Has Been Removed – In this scenario, after the stump has been removed or ground down, simply follow the path of the roots. Dig them out and cut into sections (for larger roots).

Removing Disruptive or Damaging Roots – In this scenario, you do not want to lose the tree. Only the roots that are either growing on the ground surface or interfering with a foundation, retainer wall, or other structure.

This video shows how tree roots interact with a barrier like a retaining wall.

Once you have selected the roots to be removed, the following steps will help you safely and efficiently get the job done. See also “Cutting Tree Roots – Planning” below for further tips and advice.

Tools – The tools you will need to safely do this job include but are not limited to:

• Spray Paint
• Shovel
• Spade
• Sharp Hand Saw
• Cloth
• Alcohol
• Soil
• Mulch
• Seed

Mark Your Cuts – Using spray paint, mark protruding roots to be cut or spray the ground where you intend to dig to the roots.

Clear The Surface – Using the shovel, carefully dig around the area of the root where it will be cut. You will need enough space to safely work with a saw.

Remove Soil Around Root – Using your spade, remove the soil from the sides and from underneath the root. Again, leaving enough space to safely use your saw.

Sterilize the Saw – (for live roots) As open or wounded roots are highly susceptible to disease, you can minimize exposure by sterilizing the saw with an alcohol drenched cloth.

Make the Cut – Saw through the root just below a secondary or side root growing downward.

Finish the Job – Once the root is cut, pull up the remainder of the cut root. (for live roots) Quickly replace the soil around the remaining root. Fill in any holes with soil and reseed the area if needed. Water the tree well within the dripline (under the canopy).

Mulch – When all is done, spread a loose 2-3 inch layer of mulch over all of the root area in the dripline.

Cutting Tree Roots – Planning and Execution

Properly cutting tree roots can help achieve a deeper, stronger, and healthier root system.

Also known as Root Pruning, this process should never be approached without a plan. We advise hiring a professional tree service, but the following will educate and help you to understand the process and goal:

Leaning Trees – Stop here. Do not cut the roots of a leaning tree. In this case, you will need to call a tree professional to assess the safety of the tree and which roots (if any) may be cut.

Season – Unless the situation is absolutely necessary, tree root pruning should only be done in late winter or early spring when the tree’s functions are still slow. This is the time of year that the risk of dehydration is at a minimum, thus less risk of damaging your tree.

Distance – When dealing with a mature tree, measure the DBH (Diameter at Breast Height). You will want to avoid cutting any roots within a distance of 5 times the DBH from the tree trunk.

For example, if the DBH is 12 inches, you will only want to make cuts to roots that are outside of a 60 inch radius from the tree’s trunk.

Younger Trees – Young trees have a better chance of recovering from root pruning and can be pruned closer to the trunk (3 times the DBH). However, in any situation, the farther away from the trunk you can get, the better and safer it will be.

Cut In Quadrants – Never remove more than 25% of a tree’s roots at one time. Divide the area around the tree into four quadrants and carefully cut roots in 2 quadrants opposite each other. After 2 years, it should be safe to cut the roots in the remaining 2 quadrants.

Avoid the Largest Roots – The larger roots are structural roots, they are the ones that begin at the base of the tree and flare out. These are the ones keeping the tree anchored in its place. If one of these roots is to be removed, make sure the cut is made as far from the trunk as possible.

When a cut to one of these roots needs to be made closer to the trunk, a tree professional should be called to assess the potential effect on the stability of the tree.

Mark Your Cuts – Using spray paint, mark protruding roots to be cut or spray the ground where you intend to dig to the roots.

Cut Below Secondary Roots – Your cuts should be made below a secondary (or side) root growing downward. This will not only improve the chances that it will continue nourishing the tree, it will likely guide root growth into deeper soil.

Finish the Job – Once the root is cut, pull up the remainder of the cut root. Then quickly replace the soil around the remaining root. Fill in any holes with soil and reseed the area if needed. Water the tree well within the dripline (under the canopy).

Mulch – Once finished, spread a loose 2-3 inch layer of mulch over all of the root area in the dripline.

Root Cutting and Removal Without Killing Your Tree

Root cutting and removal can indeed be accomplished without crippling or killing your tree. It is a process that must be precise and taken slowly to preserve the integrity of the tree. Keep the following in mind:

Poor Pruning – A bad prune job in the crown or in the roots can severely compromise the health of a tree, eventually leading to its death.

Trunk Proximity – The closer to the trunk that roots are cut, the more significant and severe the damage will be to your tree.

25% Rule – Never remove more than 25% of a tree’s roots. The tree will likely die or fall, or both.

2 Years – A tree should be given two years to recover between root pruning.

Spring Time – After bud break, tree roots should not be pruned. This is the time your tree is most reliant on them.

Alternatives to Root Cutting, Killing, and Removal

The idea of cutting your tree roots may seem less appealing now. If you find that the risk of losing your tree is too great, here are some potential alternatives:

• Add soil over the roots that have surfaced and reseed.
• Design your landscape around the tree root spread.
• In hardscapes, use reinforced cement.
• Install root barricades.
• Replace a broken or buckled cement walkway or driveway with a gravel one.
• When planting new trees, make sure the soil is appropriate for the species and water it well for deep root growth. Click here for more on watering and soil.

The following video demonstrates how root barricades are installed.

Regardless of the solution, Look after the health of your tree! And when in doubt, call a professional to evaluate and assess what actions should or should not be taken.

Source(s):

http://aces.nmsu.edu/ces/yard/2000/030400.html
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/dangers-cutting-tree-roots-40686.html
http://hort.ufl.edu/woody/root-prune-guidelines.shtml
http://hort.ufl.edu/woody/urban-sidewalk.shtml
http://m.visitmadison.org/site/v/default?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wikihow.com%2FDig-up-Tree-Roots#2861

https://plus.google.com/+Toddsmariettatreeservices

Todd’s Marietta Tree Services

200 Cobb Pkwy N Ste 428 Marietta, GA 30062
(678) 505-0266

Originally published on: http://www.toddsmariettatreeservices.com/tree-root-killing-removal-cutting/