How To Remove Roots After Tree Removal

Once a tree is removed from your property, you may want to remove the tree stump and roots as well. If you don’t know how to get rid of tree roots yourself, you can hire a professional for this step. This blog outlines the process of tree root removal and stump and root grinding so that you understand what to expect and how to prepare for the process.

When and Why Tree Root Removal Is Necessary

After tree removal is complete, the tree roots may continue to grow, intruding on other plants or structures on your property and causing damage. You will need to remove the stump and roots as well so that you can raze and level the land. You should remove tree roots when:

• You’re planning construction in the area where the tree grew
• You plan to use the spot for a fence, picnic table, children’s play equipment, deck, or other purpose
• You don’t want to attract pests like termites, rats, mice, or squirrels
• You want to avoid tripping hazards and injuries
• You want to improve the aesthetics of your yard
• You want to prevent structural damage caused by the roots, such as cracked driveways and sidewalks and building damage

Assessing the Tree Roots for Removal

It’s best to hire a professional to remove tree roots to ensure the job is done safely, efficiently, and completely. The first thing a tree care professional will do is assess the roots to determine the best method for removal. They will:

• Determine the size and extent of the tree root system
• Use a probe or ground-penetrating radar to assess the soil around the tree
• Consider factors like the proximity of the roots to structures, signs of decay and health issues, the size of the tree, and the soil conditions
• Evaluate the size and density of surface roots
• Estimate the size of the root ball

Methods of Tree Root Removal

A tree care professional or certified arborist will be able to determine the safest, most efficient, and most effective method of tree root removal. Their goal is to safely remove all root structures to protect your property and avoid structural damage. When removal is complete, you can use the space where the tree was located for another purpose. The most common tree root removal methods are:

• Digging and Cutting – The most basic method of root removal is to dig around the tree stump until the root structures are exposed. Your tree care specialist will then cut the root structure apart using tools like a chainsaw or hand saw.
• Stump and Root Grinding – For large tree stumps and root structures that need to be completely removed in order to begin construction or install a structure like a deck, building, patio, or fence, your tree care professional may recommend stump and root grinding. They will use a machine to grind down the tree stump into small pieces, which also kills the tree roots. They will then use tools to extract the pieces of the stump and root structures completely so that the hole can be filled in and the area can be used for something else.
• Manual Removal – For smaller root structures that are near the surface, a professional may dig them out using tools like a shovel and axe.

Preventing Tree Root Regrowth

If a tree care professional is not able to remove all traces of tree roots, or if you don’t want to remove tree roots because of their proximity to other structures, they may recommend methods for preventing root regrowth. If you don’t use these methods, it’s possible that the roots will continue to grow, which can cause damage to nearby structures like homes, buildings, fences, driveways, and sidewalks. The most effective ways to prevent regrowth are:

• Root Pruning – Root pruning is possible if the roots are easy to access and have not already begun intruding into a sewer line or structure. Only a professional should perform root pruning, as it requires an extensive knowledge of root structures and a specialized root pruning technique.
• Root Barrier Installation – A tree professional may install a physical barrier to redirect future root growth away from unwanted areas to prevent root intrusion and structural damage.
• Chemical Root Killers – Chemical root killers are specialized herbicides that are applied to the stump or exposed roots. These chemicals can kill the root system. This method is typically only used for roots that can’t be accessed using the methods above, such as roots that have already intruded into a sewer line or foundation.

When to Call a Professional Tree Company

If you don’t know how to remove a tree stump or tree roots after tree removal is complete, you should hire a professional tree removal specialist. A professional will know how to use heavy equipment and specialized tools to safely and completely get rid of a tree stump and tree root system. At Amen Trees, our professional tree removal services in Salt Lake County ensure safe, efficient, and complete removal of damaged trees with no danger to your property or threat to your safety. Call us now or contact us online to request an estimate or to schedule an assessment of your tree for removal.