Tree roots often emerge in lawns, creating a disruptive landscape where mowing becomes difficult, surfaces are uneven, and tripping hazards appear. These roots seek oxygen and moisture in the topsoil, causing them to heave turfgrass and interfere with yard maintenance. It is possible to manage or safely remove these surface roots while protecting the tree’s health. This process requires careful assessment and appropriate techniques to ensure the tree’s long-term stability.
Identifying Which Roots Can Be Removed
Before taking any action, assess the root’s function and proximity to the tree trunk. Tree root systems consist of two main types: structural roots and feeder roots. Structural roots are larger, woody anchors that provide stability and should never be severed, as this can lead to windthrow or decline in tree health.
The Critical Root Zone (CRZ) is the area surrounding the trunk that contains the majority of roots necessary for the tree’s survival. A common guideline suggests the CRZ extends outward from the trunk by approximately one foot for every inch of the tree’s diameter, measured four and a half feet above the ground. Roots located within this zone must be left entirely undisturbed.
Feeder roots are thin and fibrous, absorbing water and nutrients, and are generally found in the top 12 to 18 inches of soil. To determine a root’s importance, gently excavate the soil around it and trace it back toward the trunk. If the root’s diameter is greater than four inches, or if cutting it removes more than 25% of the roots on one side of the tree, it is too significant to remove safely.
Step-by-Step Manual Removal Methods
Once a small, non-structural root is identified as safe to remove, gather the necessary tools: a sharp shovel, a hand trowel, pruning shears, and a root saw or loppers. Use a trowel to carefully expose the root, removing the surrounding soil and placing it on a tarp. The root must be fully visible along the section intended for removal.
The primary goal is to make a clean, precise cut. Tearing or hacking the root leaves jagged edges, making the tree more susceptible to disease and decay. Use sharp loppers or a reciprocating root saw to sever the root cleanly away from the CRZ. Cut the root at least three times the diameter of the trunk away from the base.
After the cut is made, pull the exposed segment of the root out of the ground. For longer roots, repeat the process of excavating, cutting, and removing segments until the desired portion is cleared from the lawn. Avoid using brute force, such as winches, which can damage neighboring roots and destabilize the tree.
If the entire tree has been removed and only a large, dead root remains, use a stump grinder to eliminate the wood below the soil surface. Stump grinding reduces the root material to wood chips, which are then removed, leaving a void to be filled with soil. This method is reserved for roots that are no longer living and pose a significant obstacle to landscaping.
Alternatives to Cutting: Managing Surface Roots
When roots are too large or too close to the trunk to be safely severed, management strategies must address the uneven lawn surface. The main concern is preventing root suffocation, which occurs when air and gas exchange are blocked. Adding too much dense fill, such as clay-heavy topsoil, quickly leads to oxygen deprivation and tree decline.
One effective alternative is to slightly raise the soil grade over the exposed roots using a coarse, porous material. Spread a layer of sandy soil mixed with compost, or a coarse gravel and sand mix, no more than two to four inches deep. This provides a level surface while allowing sufficient air and water penetration. Deeper fills require consulting a certified arborist, as they may necessitate elaborate aeration systems involving perforated pipes and gravel.
Another method involves replacing the turfgrass area around the tree with ground cover or a mulched bed. Turfgrass struggles to thrive over exposed roots due to shade and competition for water. A layer of organic mulch or shade-tolerant, shallow-rooted plants can be successful. This approach converts the area into an aesthetic feature, protecting the roots from foot traffic and mowing damage.
Where aggressive root growth damages hardscaping or property lines, professionally installed root barriers can redirect growth. These barriers are vertical plastic panels inserted into the ground to deflect roots downward or laterally. The barrier must be placed far enough from the trunk to avoid damaging structural roots. This typically requires a professional assessment to ensure correct placement and minimal harm to the tree.
Restoring the Lawn After Root Removal
After the problematic roots have been successfully removed or managed, restore the disturbed turf area to a smooth, uniform surface. First, clear away any remaining wood debris, chips, or stones left from the removal process. Wood debris in the soil depletes nitrogen as it decomposes, hindering new grass growth.
Fill the trench or void left by the removed roots with quality topsoil blended with compost, providing necessary nutrients and structure for the new grass. Lightly compact the soil with a rake or roller to prevent excessive settling, ensuring the final grade is level with the surrounding lawn. Adding a thin layer of compost to the surface further enriches the area.
The repaired patch can be restored by either seeding or sodding, depending on the desired speed of recovery. When seeding, choose a grass type that matches the existing lawn. Keep the area consistently moist until the seeds germinate and the grass establishes a strong root system. Avoid heavy foot traffic on the newly repaired area for several weeks to allow the new turf to take hold.