A Complete Guide To Cutting Tree Roots

Tree roots are integral to the life and health of a tree. However, they can become a nuisance at times. They can invade your home’s foundation or damage various areas of your property. When that happens, you don’t have to remove the entire tree – removing the offending roots is much easier and more cost-effective. 

In this post, we delve deeper into cutting tree roots without damaging the tree, as advised by a reputable tree removal company in Vero Beach, FL. 

How Many Tree Roots Can You Cut Safely?

You shouldn’t remove more than 15% of above-ground tree roots at once. After tree root removal, you need to wait two to three years to ensure the tree fully recovers. Then, you can safely consider removing more roots.

It also pays to know that winter or early spring is the best time to cut tree roots. 

Tree Root Cutting Guidelines: Eight Steps To Follow

Before you begin the process of cutting tree roots, make sure you have a shovel, a pair of garden branch loppers, a hand root saw, a grubbing hoe, and a reciprocating saw. Also, wear gloves, heavy boots, and safety glasses to protect yourself. Then follow these steps.

1. Mark for Utilities

Call your local utility marking service. They’ll send a technician to mark the ground for essential services like electricity, water, sewer, and plumbing. 

2. Identify the Problematic Root

Find the offending root and measure its diameter. Is it less than two inches? If so, you can safely cut it, provided the total root loss won’t exceed 15% of the surface roots. 

3. Eliminate Obstructions

Use your hands to remove rocks, turf, twigs, and other obstructions around the root area. 

4. Dig Around and Beneath the Root

Using a shovel, dig around and below the tree root. 

5. Lift It From the Ground

After digging, lift the tree root from the ground and prop it with pieces of scrap wood if necessary. You want the cutting area to be clear to avoid cutting into the soil. 

6. Cut Your Tree Root

Use lopping shears, a hand saw, or a reciprocating saw to cut the root. You would want to use the reciprocating saw if the root’s diameter is more than three inches. 

7. Dig the Root Out

Use a grubbing hoe to remove the cut roots and dispose of them. 

8. Aftercare 

Once you’ve safely removed the roots, clear any leftover wood and debris. Consider adding topsoil and grass seed if the root removal covers an expansive area. 

Contact Your Local Tree Experts for Assistance

Need professional assistance with cutting tree roots or dead tree removal? Maybe you want to know the potential risks or whether root size and location impact root removal. King Tree Management is your go-to local arborist.

We provide a wide range of services, including:

• Tree Trimming & Pruning
• Tree Removal
• Stump Grinding

Call us at (772) 633-1939 for a free estimate or to learn the reasons for tree rotting at the base and how to deal with the issue.