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Killing tree roots, removing them, and cutting them are three ways to control the growth of roots, and the damage they can cause to driveways, retainer walls, and home foundations. Each of these actions has the potential to solve your principle problem, while creating another one. In this article, we will discuss each option and how it affects your tree and landscape. We will also provide several alternatives which could potentially solve your root problems. Dealing with roots can be tricky—an improper cut could affect the tree’s water flow or cause it to fall in a storm. That’s why it’s important to take a safe approach.
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What Are the Dangers of Cutting Tree Roots?
Tree roots are cut for a number of reasons. Sometimes the roots grow up out of the ground and cause problems with foundations or walkways. Other times the roots are accidentally cut as the result of landscaping or construction. Cutting tree roots is dangerous because it can cause permanent, possibly fatal, harm to your tree. To prevent this damage, you must be aware of which roots you’re cutting and how the cuts will affect your tree.
The Function of Roots
Pruning tree roots requires that you cut one of two important components to your tree’s root system: structural roots or feeder roots. Structural roots, which begin at the base of the tree and prevent it from falling, grow mostly horizontally. These roots grow thinner in diameter as they move away from the trunk. Feeder roots are small, fibrous roots that are responsible for taking up water and nutrients. The more of these roots that are cut, the more your tree’s ability to feed itself becomes impaired. Feeder root damage is often indicated by stunted growth, pale-colored leaves and premature defoliation.
Reduced Vigor
Cutting a tree’s roots affects its ability to take up water and nutrients. If the tree is unable to take up what it needs, then a loss of vigor can result. Signs of poor vigor include yellowed foliage, stunted growth and branch dieback. Previously healthy trees can recover from a loss of vigor due to root pruning as long as they receive proper care, but trees already stressed by age, environmental conditions or disease may not recover.
Disease and Pest Infestation
When trees are stressed, they become weakened and more vulnerable to pests and disease. Fungal infections such as wilts or rots and insect pests such as beetles, borers and scale insects are commonly found in trees distressed by cut roots. Many mature trees might not survive the combined attack of root pruning, insect pests and disease.
Instability
Cutting a tree root that is larger than 2 inches in diameter or cutting too close to the trunk interferes with the structure of the tree. Roots provide the support necessary to keep your tree standing, and without the support structure, your tree becomes unstable. This can lead to your tree falling over during high winds or rainstorms.
Safe Root Pruning Guidelines
Root-pruning cuts should be done at a distance of at least three to five times the trunk diameter from the outside of the trunk. For example, if the trunk is 2 feet in diameter, the cut should be made at least 6 to 10 feet from the trunk. The closer to the trunk you cut the tree root, the more significant the effects are to your tree. Never cut more than 25 percent of the tree’s root zone. This can cause severe enough injuries to result in tree death. Wait at least two years before pruning again, to allow the tree sufficient time to recover. Tree roots should also be cut during late winter or early spring, when the risk of dehydration is lowest. After cutting, cover the roots immediately to prevent drying, and keep the soil moist, but not soaked. Roots should never be pruned after bud break in the spring; this deprives your tree of water and nutrients when it needs them the most.
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