Large Root Removal Guide For Safety And Success
Large tree roots can cause a lot of issues if left unattended. Tree root damage can be severe with large, overgrown and dense trees and is best remedied as soon as possible to avoid this.
From foundational issues to property damage, large roots can quickly become a larger issue than you can afford to deal with. Removing tree roots is a delicate process that requires skills and patience to avoid damaging the tree or the land around it.
Kneebone Trees are professional arborists who offer a range of tree care services across the region, including tree root removal and repairs. Using our experience and skills in this area, we are sharing the best ways to manage large root removal and how you can better care for your trees to avoid issues.
Why You Might Need To Consider Large Root Removal
Roots are essential for the health and stability of the tree, and any form of damage to the root system can hinder this. Keeping your trees safe means protecting the roots, ensuring they have plenty of space to develop and are absorbing enough nutrients for the rest of the plant.
However, over time, it is common to run into issues with tree roots. Tree root damage is a frequent issue for land and homeowners who have developed trees on their properties. As the roots develop and expand, they can cause structural issues and eventual property damage.
This applies to all kinds of tree root systems, but is particularly hazardous for large root systems. When left unattended, these can cause issues such as:
- Structural damage, which may be visible on surfaces like driveways, pathways, patios and even garden sculptures
- Cracking and damage to property foundations
- Damage and blocking of pipe, drainage and water systems across the premises
Without the proper treatment or removal, tree root damage can lead to long-term issues across your home, business or land.
Do I Need Large Root Removal?
As we have mentioned, tree roots are essential for stability and health, which means in most cases they should be left alone. However, some factors can indicate whether you are at risk of tree root damage and if large root removal is required, such as:
- The tree roots are causing damage to surfaces and structures across your home
- The tree is close to your property or neighbouring homes
- A tree has been removed, but the stump and roots are still present
- You are seeking planning permission for construction work or going through a renovation
To determine whether you are at risk of tree root damage and whether large root removal is required, you can request a site assessment from tree surgeons, like our team. We can determine whether the root system is an issue, where it is located and what can be done to protect your home and land, without damaging the tree.
During this site assessment, experts will not only determine where tree roots are located and highlight areas of concern across your premises, but also the condition of the tree roots. We will determine whether the roots are alive, and still growing, or dead.
As well as their condition, the size and depth of the tree roots will also need to be assessed. This can also determine the level of damage they can cause and what removal method is best.
At Kneebone Trees, we are passionate about tree care and always aim to do the best for our local landscapes and trees, while also ensuring complete client satisfaction. Our goal is to create healthy, safe environments where trees can thrive as much as possible, which means, in some cases, large root removal is needed.
How To Remove Large Tree Roots
As professional arborists, we understand that each tree is unique and therefore the best method for large root removal can vary. Based on the size of the roots, the location of the tree, and the extent of the damage, one of the following methods will be used for large root removal:
Manual Root Removal
Manual large root removal requires a lot of physical labour as the tree roots will need to be dug out of the ground and cut away by hand. This method is best for small to medium-sized tree roots, large root removal in open, accessible landscapes, and shallow root systems, such as with silver birch, cherry, and magnolia trees.
To ensure that manual large root removal is effective, you first need to locate and expose the root of the tree. This is why having an open landscape is the preferred setting for this method, as you need to be able to expose the entire root system to ensure the most accurate removal.
When cutting and removing these exposed roots, be careful to avoid any structural or electrical installations that may be present. For example, take area care to avoid damaging utility lines or irrigation pipes. The surrounding landscape is also at risk during manual large root removal, as other plants may be connected to the same root networks. This is a particular threat with established and mature trees, which have had time to develop with other plants and trees around them.
Mechanical Root Removal
Mechanical methods are best used for large, deep, and tough tree roots, for example, from felled trees where the stump remains or from species such as oak, sycamore, and conifer trees.
Based on the depth, size, and toughness of the tree roots, different tools may be required for the large root removal, including:
- Stump Grinders: Stump grinders are best used for the remaining stumps after a tree has been removed or felled. These machines grind down the remaining stump and the major roots underneath.
- Mini Excavators: These are suitable for digging out particularly large roots or entire root plates, and are frequently used during landscape renovations or removals.
Chemical Root Killers
In some cases, chemical root killers can be used as an alternative stump removal method or as a way to prevent living trees from regrowing in potentially dangerous or difficult areas. Chemical treatments are best used in low-impact cases and are ideal for those where physical removal isn’t feasible, such as with well-established tree roots or inaccessible areas.
Chemical root killers can be highly effective and therefore need to be used directly on the freshly-exposed stump or root system. They are not suitable for dense landscapes and those with many other plants and trees, as they can kill off more than you desire. They should also be avoided in wildlife areas or gardens with pets, due to the toxicity of the chemicals used.
While chemical root killers can be effective, it can take a long time to notice the large root removal in effect. Based on the type of chemicals used and the density of the roots, it can take several weeks to several months for the roots to fully die and decay.
Post-Removal Steps To Ensure Success And Safety
Once the large root removal is complete, there may be some additional work required to get your landscape back to normal and to continue supporting the health of your trees.
- Backfill the Hole: Once the stump and root systems have been removed, you will be left with a hole in the ground. In large root removal, this can be a very deep and expansive space, which is why refilling is needed immediately to prevent injury. Soil or gravel can be used to fill in the hole, based on the landscape.
- Soil Restoration or Reseeding: Based on where the tree was located, you may need to reseed the lawn or spend time balancing the soil so it can be used again in the future.
- Structural Repairs: In some cases, large root removal can cause drainage or structural issues, which will need to be addressed as soon as possible. This can involve tasks such as a new drainage system, repairs or levelling of the surface.
When Should I Call The Professionals?
Professional help can be beneficial in all forms of large root removal to ensure a safe and seamless process. However, there are some occasions where no attempts at DIY should be considered, such as:
- Tree roots located near foundations, utilities or those in clay-heavy soils
- Complex root removal, such as those requiring chemicals or machinery
- Signs of structural damage caused by the roots
It is recommended to work with tree surgeons, such as our team, in all cases of root removal, as we can determine the best method and ensure complete success. Attempting to remove tree roots yourself can lead to further damage and can cause more issues than you are aware of.
During our professional removals, we will assess the current damage and highlight any future issues that could appear. We can ensure that the tree receives the best care, all roots are removed, and your landscape remains intact.
Conclusion
Tree roots can cause a lot of damage when growing close to properties or structures. This becomes more apparent with large tree roots, and removal cannot be delayed. There are several methods for large root removal, all of which are best handled by experts like Kneebone Trees to avoid further damage and ensure success.
Contact Us Today
Contact the team today to request a consultation or to learn more about our services.
FAQs
Can I remove large tree roots by myself?
DIY root removal is rarely recommended, as it can lead to more damage or ineffective treatments. It should always be avoided for trees that are close to structures and properties, as well as if you are unable to access the right tools.
Will roots keep growing even after I cut them?
If the tree is still alive, the roots can still grow after they have been cut. If you are concerned about regrowth, a chemical root killer can be applied, or complete stump removal may be necessary.
How long does it take for tree roots to decompose naturally?
It can take several years for large tree roots to decompose fully without intervention.
