Everything You Need To Know About Tree Root Removal

Tree root removal is sometimes a necessary precursor to new projects around the yard that require digging: installing irrigation systems, building an addition, installing a swimming pool or laying electrical conduit. It is also necessary when existing projects around the yard are being damaged by the roots.

Plus, tree root removal aids with stump removal. Roots severed close to the tree stump will make it easier to pull out the tree stump. In this case, the full root system is removed. Tree root removal may be an alternative in communities that restrict tree removal.

Pros and Cons of Tree Root Removal

Pros

• Allows completion of in-ground projects
• Prevents damage to structures
• Easier than full tree removal

Cons

• May cause the tree to become unstable and unsafe
• Can result in the tree losing vital nutrients and water
• Damage to the ground and foundation may occur if tree roots are removed improperly
• Roots may grow back

A tree root system can constitute up to 65% of its total biomass, or overall makeup, according to the journal Tree Physiology. That means there may be more root infrastructure than leaves, bark, stems or other foliage. Accordingly, it’s best to only remove tree roots as a last resort. When you remove them, you should do so as far toward the end of the root as possible.

Tree root removal is necessary when damage to areas of the home or property is imminent or has already happened. Pros should also remove tree roots in conjunction with repairing a cracked house foundation or a broken sewer line. A cracked patio or broken walkway or driveway usually necessitates tree root removal, though usually not on an emergency basis.

Remove tree roots when the soil is dry and not frozen.

Removing a tree root by yourself is inexpensive, especially if you already own most of the tools. Corded reciprocating saws begin at around $100. A grub hoe (a type of digging hole typically used in tree root removal), is helpful but not necessary and costs $60 to $75. Otherwise, you can substitute it with a garden hoe or pick ax.

Large-scale tree root removal is usually done as part of a stump removal project. So, entire root systems will be removed. Extensive root system removal may cost up to $800 or as low as $300 for surface-level roots. The average cost to remove a root system is about $550.

TREE ROOT REMOVAL COST
Average Cost	$550
Highest Cost	$800
Lowest Cost	$300

See More See Less

Use a pair of garden branch loppers, shovel, grubbing hoe, hand root saw and reciprocating saw to remove tree roots. You may also need a couple of pieces of scrap wood. For personal protection, wear safety glasses, heavy boots and gloves.

1. Mark for Utilities

Call 811 or your local utility marking service. A technician will visit your property and mark the ground for essential services like water, sewer, plumbing and electrical. The service is usually free.

2. Trace the Root

Trace the root backward from the tree to the farthest point away from the tree that you can cut. Avoid cutting closer to the tree if cutting farther out will accomplish the same goal.

3. Remove Obstructions

By hand, remove rocks, limbs, turf and other obstructions from the root area.

4. Dig Around the Root

Use the shovel to dig around and underneath the tree root.

5. Lift Up the Root

Lift the root from the ground. Prop up the root with the scrap wood if necessary. The full cutting area must be clear. Do not cut into the soil.

6. Cut the Root

Cut the root with the hand saw, reciprocating saw or lopping shears. The reciprocating saw works best for tree roots that are up to 3 to 4 inches in diameter. Longer saw blades are available, up to 12 inches, but these blades can become wobbly when cutting roots.

7. Remove the Root

Dig out the cut roots with the grubbing hoe and dispose of the roots.

8. Follow Up With Aftercare

After safely removing the roots, you can address the empty area. While you may not need to replace any soil depending on how extensive the job is, you will likely need to clear any debris and leftover wood. If the root removal spanned a larger area, however, you may need to add more topsoil as well as grass seed. Depending on your preferred aesthetic, mulch may also be a suitable ground cover option.

Finally remember to assess the spot on a regular basis, making sure the grass grows in to match the remainder of your outdoor space.

Most areas will not have dedicated tree root removal services. But many areas do have tree stump grinding and removal services that can also remove tree roots. A landscaping service, an arborist and even some plumbers who do exterior work will be able to remove tree roots.

Some professionals may be able to trace or map the tree root system with ground penetrating radar (GPR) to better determine which roots should be removed and how much of them.

To arrive at the average costs in this article, editorial team members surveyed two providers and two cost databases on national and local levels. All averaged figures were correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.