What to Know About Removing Tree Roots: A How-to Guide

Trees add value to a landscape, but their roots can become a major problem. Large root systems can cause structural root damage, cracking sidewalks, lifting driveways, and disrupting underground utilities. Without proper tree root excavation service, these issues can lead to costly repairs. Overgrown roots also make it difficult to maintain a clean, functional yard. A well-planned deep root removal process helps reclaim outdoor spaces for new projects. For those dealing with stubborn roots, finding an efficient tree stump extraction method is essential. Whether you’re trying to reclaim your backyard for a new project or simply tired of tripping over those pesky tree roots, you’re not alone. So, what’s the easiest way to remove tree roots?

What is the Easiest Way to Remove Tree Roots?

Why Removing Tree Roots is Important

Uncontrolled tree roots can cause significant damage to structures, utilities, and landscaping. As roots expand, they can crack sidewalks, weaken foundations, and invade underground pipes, leading to costly repairs. Beyond property damage, excessive root growth can also compete with nearby plants for water and nutrients, affecting overall landscape health.

Managing tree roots effectively prevents these issues while promoting a stable and functional outdoor environment. Proper tree root excavation service ensures long-term protection against structural damage and prevents regrowth that could lead to recurring problems. Hiring professionals for professional root removal service guarantees the job is done safely and thoroughly, reducing the risk of injury or accidental damage to surrounding areas. A well-planned removal process also helps preserve the soil’s integrity, ensuring future landscaping projects can thrive. Root cutting services help manage these issues effectively:

1. Preventing Property Damage

Tree roots are powerful and can extend far beyond the tree’s canopy. If left unchecked, they can cause considerable damage to various structures, including:

Foundations: Roots can grow into foundations, causing cracks and structural instability.
Driveways and Sidewalks: Invasive roots can lift and crack concrete, creating tripping hazards and requiring costly repairs.
Plumbing: Roots can infiltrate and clog sewer lines and water pipes, leading to backups and expensive plumbing repairs.

2. Ensuring Safety

Overgrown or exposed tree roots can pose significant safety risks:

Trip Hazards: Roots protruding above the ground can cause people to trip and fall, leading to potential injuries.
Vehicle Damage: Underground root expansion on driveways and parking areas can cause uneven surfaces, which can damage vehicles.

3. Promoting Tree Health

Sometimes, selective tree root pruning is necessary to maintain the health of the tree itself:

Disease Prevention: Diseased or decaying roots can spread infections to the rest of the tree and to other plants in the vicinity.
Proper Growth: In some cases, roots growing in undesirable directions need to be pruned to ensure the tree grows correctly and healthily.

4. Landscape Management

Removing certain tree roots can help maintain the aesthetics and usability of your landscape:

Garden Beds: Roots can invade garden beds, competing with flowers and shrubs for nutrients and water.
Lawn Maintenance: Surface roots can make mowing and other lawn care activities difficult.

Easiest Methods for Removing Tree Roots

Some homeowners leave stumps and roots in place, but situations arise where complete removal is necessary. For example:

The roots might present a bursting risk to the pipework.
Roots may have lifted your driveway.

Affordable tree root removal services help prevent future property damage and maintain a clean landscape. When it’s time to remove tree roots, here are the easiest methods to use:

Dig Out the Tree Roots

Physical removal of the roots is the most challenging and laborious method, but it’s an effective way to clear out smaller root networks. You’ll need to dig them out or use a stump grinder to remove roots. The type and size of roots determine the best approach to the removal. This method is best for smaller trees with minimal tree root systems.

Larger trees can have a huge network of roots. Different-sized tree roots can range up to 12 inches in diameter, making removal more difficult. For deep-rooted trees, additional tools or professional assistance may be required.

Before digging, call your utility company and ask them where the underground infrastructure is located in your yard.
Dig out the soil around the stump’s base to expose the roots.
Next, remove as many loose roots as you can. Dig out around the exposed roots and cut the roots through the thicker ones using a lopper.
Cut them as far from the root ball as possible. Use a grub hoe and lift out the roots you cut.
Finally, loosen the rest of the roots around the root ball and stump by shifting it back and forth. Continue cutting and pulling roots until you can leverage the stump and root ball from the earth. If the roots are too thick to cut with the loppers, you’ll need a root saw to finish the task.

Stump Grinding for Large Roots

Depending on the size of the tree, digging out the roots might not be an option for root removal. You’ll need to use the right equipment to complete the task and remove the roots. A stump grinder is a handy tool for cutting out big roots. It’s hard work, but the machine makes short work of it compared to doing it by hand.

Trim the trunk as close to the ground as possible using a chainsaw. Dig up debris and rocks around the roots to prevent damage to the stump grinder. Grind down the stump with your tool after prepping the roots and stump for removal.

You’ll need to grind down to a depth of two to four inches. After finishing the task, use the shovel to dig up any remaining root fragments.

Stump grinding also creates fresh mulch for the garden, so there’s an additional benefit. For the best results, contact local tree removal experts and ask about their stump grinding services.

Treat Roots With Chemicals or Salt

If you don’t feel like using manual labor for the removal, there are always chemical treatments to speed up the decomposition of unwanted roots. Special herbicides are used in stump removal that kill the roots fast and make them easy to remove.

If you’re not a fan of chemicals, rock salting the roots is another option. However, it’s not great if you intend to plant flowerbeds in the location after the removal. The salted ground won’t grow anything. Strong concentrations of Epsom salts might work but don’t use table salt.

Hire Local Tree Removal Professionals

For extensive root problems, hiring certified arborists ensures a structural root damage assessment is conducted before removal. Professionals use advanced root barrier installation techniques to prevent future encroachment into driveways and foundations. Local tree care specialists understand Omaha’s soil conditions and provide tailored solutions to protect surrounding plants and structures. Safe emergency root removal minimizes property damage while maintaining landscape integrity. Call a local arborist and get a quote on stump removal and grinding.

Get a Free Estimate for Tree Root Removal in Omaha

Don’t let invasive roots damage your property. Contact Tree Services of Omaha today for professional deep root removal services and expert advice on keeping your yard safe and beautiful.

Our team uses industry-leading techniques to remove unwanted roots efficiently while preserving the surrounding landscape. Schedule a consultation today to prevent further damage and restore the health of your outdoor space.

Tree Services of Omaha

Tree Services of Omaha, Nebraska is a full-service tree care provider that offers a wide range of arborist services including but not limited to: Tree Removal Services, Tree Trimming, Tree Pruning, Tree and Shrub Shaping, Stump Removal, Stump Grinding, Arborist Consultations, Systemic Tree Injections.