“Honey, I am so tired of looking at those roots in our front yard! I’m going to have the neighbor’s gardener, Joe Schmo’s Tree, Landscape, Automotive Repair and Concrete Service come over and cut them all out, okay?”
Whoa there, Nellie!!
There are many reasons why one sees roots in their lawn, and it isn’t necessarily because the tree is unstable or looking for water. Before you take a hatchet to those roots you first need to know what they do, why they are there and the law of Unintentional Consequences if you were to remove them.
The Function of Roots
Roots have two (2) basic functions – structure and feeding. Structure roots are those that start in at the base, growing under the canopy of the tree. As these roots move outward, they become smaller and smaller in diameter much like the structure of the limbs you see above. Their job is to provide a stable foundation. The feeder roots are small and fibrous and their job is to feed the tree, providing nutrients and water. So, you can see the distinct difference. Most people, when seeing roots, only see the structure roots, not the whole picture.
The Pruning of Roots
Remember the homeowner Nellie that wanted to go Lizzie Borden on the roots in her front yard? She doesn’t understand what potential consequences her actions may have on her tree. Here are just a few to consider –
- Stability: The large roots that radiate out from the trunk support the tree. Cutting ones larger than 2″ in dia can put the tree at risk of falling over in high winds or inclement weather.
- Diminished Vitalitu: Remember that roots are the ‘mouth’ of the tree. Cutting those roots reduce the amount of nutrients and water the tree can take in. Let’s call it Lap Band surgery, but in this case you don’t want to shrink the tree……. or do you? While younger trees have a greater ability to bounce back from root pruning, older trees have a harder time. Additionally, trees that are stressed from health or environment issues are at higher risk of mortality. Signs of stress in pre or post root pruning trees may include dead limbs in the crown, stunted growth, yellow or anemic foliage.
- Pests and Diseases: Like the human body, trees that are in distress are easily susceptible to attack from pests and diseases. Many fungal infections will enter the cut roots, causing vascular issues that are very difficult to recover from. Stressed trees can also become Hometown Buffet for chewing/sucking insects like bores, scales and beetles.
Construction and Landscape Renovation
Adding onto the house for the out-laws? Installing a pool? Or just renovating your landscaping? These are another common area where roots have the potential to be cut and damaged. If you are installing a new irrigation system in your yard, try to incur minimal damage by installing irrigation like spokes on a wagon wheel as shown.
Remember this rule of thumb – a tree will put out a root system at least as wide as the drip line.
What do I need to know if I must prune roots in my yard?
First off, remember that root pruning should NOT be for aesthetic reasons only. If the roots are damaging walkways or foundations, that is a different issue. But remember what we’ve discussed – pruning roots can have a negative effect on the tree. In your desire to save the foundation you might have weakened the tree causing it to fall on your roof. Ouch! Reach out to your local arborist for his professional opinion.
Next, don’t cut roots larger than 2″ in diameter. The maximum one should consider removing in one procedure is 20% of above-ground roots. Again, remember the potential consequences.
Is there a better time of year to prune or remove roots? Yes. winter thru early spring is the best time, as that is when there is the least stress on the tree.
So, what do we take away from this. Yes, roots can be pruned with the knowledge of how/why they exist. They can also be pruned knowing what the potential outcome may be. If you are not sure, contact your local arborist for a consultation.