Q&A for How to Dig up Tree Roots

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How do I do this if I want to remove the tree too?

Benjamin Hansen
Licensed Landscape Contractor
Benjamin Hansen is a Landscape Contractor and the Owner of Artscape Gardens, a boutique landscaping company in Los Angeles, California. With over 12 years of experience, Benjamin specializes in transforming properties into aesthetic, functional, and drought-tolerant oases. Benjamin uses color scheme, dimension, and water conscious spaces to inspire the design and installation of soft scape, hardscape, patios, pathways, irrigation, drainage, fencing, concrete, lighting, and electrical work. Artscape Gardens covers all areas of the C-27 landscape contractor classification.

Benjamin Hansen

Licensed Landscape Contractor

Expert Answer

First you would cut down the tree so you're just left with a stump. Then, you would excavate around the circumference of the stump to a certain diameter, depending on the size of the trunk, to expose some of the roots. Finally, you'd use a chainsaw to cut the roots so you can pull out the stump. Whatever roots are left in the ground can stay there to help prevent soil erosion.

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Question

What is the easiest way go get roots out of the ground that grinding left there? We still have the roots there. I'm in Texas, and I don't want to feed Subterranean Termites. Does anyone dig them up?

Katie Gohmann
Professional Gardener
Katherine Gohmann is a Professional Gardener in Texas. She has been a home gardener and professional gardener since 2008.

Katie Gohmann

Professional Gardener

Expert Answer

You may want to try using an herbicide formulated for tree roots. It will cause the roots to decay, which might be easier than digging them up.

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What chemicals destroy roots?

Community Answer

Killing the root and destroying it are two different things. Roots can be killed by direct contact with boiling water, repeatedly killing off any above-ground growth, or injection with herbicides (stump killer). Destruction is achieved by physical removal (stump grinder) or natural decay.

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How do I find out where the tree roots are coming from?

Community Answer

We use Airspade tools to find out or uncover were the roots are coming from and where they are going. The airspade uses air pressure to gently blow away the soil around the roots. Once the soil is removed from around the roots, you will be able to see the roots clearly.

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