Question:
My tree is 34-years-old and has found its way into my sewer line.Unfortunately, after $800 in drainage bills, the tree has to go. How do Iuproot my tree and its roots?
Answer:
This question is one that concerns many people. However, it should notbe a problem. Once the tree has been cut, the roots cannot grow anymorebecause the leaves are necessary to provide the food to fuel root growth.If the roots continue to produce sprouts with leaves, then in time theremay be more root growth. The simple solution to this problem is to removeany sprouts that develop from the roots as soon as they begin to grow. Infact, the production of these sprouts is to your advantage because in orderto produce these sprouts, the tree must withdraw food stored in the root.As you remove the sprout, you rob the tree of that stored food and reducethe size of the root by reducing the food stored in it.
The sprouts may be removed manually by cutting them just below the soilsurface, digging to remove them and a piece of the root to which they areattached, or by use of herbicides. Translocated herbicides, those whichare absorbed into the leaves and translocated into the roots, will be moreeffective than the contact herbicides that kill only those plant parts withwhich they come into contact. If you use herbicides, read and carefullyfollow the directions on the label.
It is possible to use some herbicides before removing the tree to killmore of the root system more rapidly than by just cutting the tree. Thisis done by applying the herbicide to notches cut into the trunk, justdeeper than the bark. Don't make the notches (called frills on theherbicide label) too deep. Your objective is to cut to the phloem layerwhich is just under the bark. The phloem is the tissue in the plant thatcarries food from the leaves to the roots. This is most effective in theautumn, though it will also work well if done in the summer. It isimportant that there be leaves producing food which is being translocatedto the roots through the phloem. Look for herbicides labeled for thispurpose. A few weeks after applying the herbicide the tree may be cut.
Root problems are worse in older types of sewer systems composed of tilesor tar paper rolled to form pipe. These systems are prone to leakage whichattracts the roots to the pipe and provides the roots a means of entranceinto the pipe. Newer plastic sewer pipe is less subject to root problemssince, if properly installed, it will not leak and attract the roots.There is still a chance that a root will grow along side the pipe. As theroot grows in diameter, it may then crush the pipe, cracking it, andallowing leakage and root entry into the pipe.
Send your gardening questions to Yard and Garden, ATTN: Dr. Curtis Smith,NMSU Cooperative Extension Service, 9301 Indian School Road, NE, Suite 112,Albuquerque, NM 87112. Curtis W. Smith, Ph.D., is an ExtensionHorticulture Specialist with New Mexico State University's CooperativeExtension Service. New Mexico State University is an equalopportunity/affirmative action employer and educator.
FAQs
Once a tree is cut down, the roots can continue to grow for some time. This is because the root system is still alive and is trying to support the tree. If the roots are not properly taken care of, they can cause serious damage to your property.
Do tree roots continue to grow after cutting? ›
For a while after a tree is removed, the tree roots may continue to grow before the lack of photosynthesis from leaves leads to tree root death. If the tree is a species that reproduces through root sprouts, the roots may survive longer, up to seven years or more.
Will damaged tree roots grow back? ›
Tree roots are robust and tenacious, with a knack for survival. However, the extent of the breach and the overall health of the tree significantly influence the odds of a comeback. If a tree's roots suffer minor damage, there's a pretty good chance they'll rebound.
Will a tree survive if roots are cut? ›
It all depends on the size and location of the tree root. As a guideline, avoid pruning roots more than 2 inches wide. Removing large tree roots can make the tree unstable or unhealthy later on. If large roots are removed, the tree may not be able to get enough nutrients and water.
What happens after a tree is cut? ›
After a tree is cut down it has the potential to re-sprout. However, the tree is likely to develop fungal growth or other diseased because of the unseen decay process occurring underground. Another downside of a tree regrowing from a stump is that it can grow in unwanted directions, becoming a nuisance.
How long do tree roots live after cutting down a tree? ›
The amount of time it takes for tree roots to decompose will depend on the tree species. But generally, it takes between 5 and 10 years, and hardwoods take longer than softwoods.
What happens to tree roots after you cut down a tree? ›
Tree roots do stop growing as soon as the tree is felled, but when they remain in the ground they will also decompose over the next decade and can make fungi more likely to pop up across your yard wherever they reach.
Can tree roots pull a tree back up? ›
As storms uproot one side of the root plate (the part of the roots keeping the tree firmly in the ground), the pressure on the other side counterbalances itself, resulting in a fulcrum effect. The weight of the tree plays a role, as heavier specimens may snap or break before they can stand back up.
What to do with roots after cutting down tree? ›
First, use a drill to cut into the tree roots that you don't want. Then, use a paintbrush to spread bleach over the holes on the roots. The roots should die fairly quickly. If they don't, you can simply repeat this method several times.
How do you fix damaged tree roots? ›
To fix a damaged tree root, consider mulching the soil around the tree and replacing lost soil with a 3-4 inch layer of soil. Additionally, radial trenching can be used to further nourish and protect tree roots and promote new growth.
No, they cannot continue growing. This is because the apical meristematic tissues essential for their growth is present on tips. If the tips are removed, the roots can't grow.
How much root damage can a tree survive? ›
If enough of the root system is destroyed or detached, the tree will die. As a general rule, 20% of the root system can be destroyed before the tree will show signs of injury. If 40% of the root system is lost, the tree will probably die.
How much of a tree can you cut without killing it? ›
The first general rule you can follow across the board is that removing no more than 25% of a tree's canopy in any given year is recommended to maintain its health and longevity. The most common factors to consider before pruning a tree are: Tree Species: Different tree species respond differently to pruning.
What happens if you leave a stump? ›
If left untouched, a tree stump and roots will start to rot and, over time, become home to pests, fungi, and other organisms. And sometimes the roots will keep growing.
What happens if you cut a tree trunk? ›
Trunk wounds that are not addressed could potentially be a hazard in the future. Once a wound occurs, decay-causing fungi can enter the heartwood and the decay process begins.
What happens when you cut off the top of a tree? ›
After a tree is topped, it grows back rapidly in an attempt to replace its missing leaves. Leaves are needed to manufacture food for the tree. Without new leaves, the tree will die. The new branches that sprout up below the cuts will continue to grow quickly until they reach the same size it was before it was topped.
How to stop tree roots from growing after cutting? ›
Spraying or painting herbicide on a freshly cut tree is a simple, hassle-free way to avoid unwanted regrowth. For maximum efficacy, you'll need to treat the stump immediately after you cut down the tree. Even a 30-minute delay will compromise the formula's effects.
How to stop tree roots from sprouting? ›
Aside from cutting down the roots, you can also apply a growth inhibitor. This is a more effective option than grinding them out by hand. A good growth inhibitor will prevent trees from producing suckers, but be careful not to overdo it.
What happens to roots after pruning? ›
First of all, root pruning DOES stimulate new root growth. It's just like the response you see when you prune the crown of a plant – the buds below the cut become active and develop into new shoots. There are growing points behind the cut ends of roots which act in the same manner.
