How to Dig up Tree Roots

A beginner's guide to safely digging up and cutting out tree roots by hand

Co-authored by Benjamin Hansen

Last Updated: August 18, 2024 References

Tree roots can sometimes be unsightly in our yards, causing us to want to dig up them up. Other times, they can become dangerous, such as when a tree is growing too close to a foundation of a house or is damaging underground pipes. However, digging up tree roots isn't as simple as using a shovel to dig a hole. Digging up too many roots or the wrong roots can actually kill the tree, which may cause you to remove the tree entirely. Luckily, if you follow the correct procedures, take the right precautions, and use the right techniques, you can safely dig up a tree's roots without killing the tree.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Choosing the Right Roots

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1
Trace the root that you want to cut back to the tree. Cutting the root too close to the tree can cause structural instability and can cause the tree to fall over. Measure the tree trunk's diameter with a tape measure and multiply it by 8. This number is the closest distance from the tree that you can cut the root.^{[1]
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- For example if your tree has a diameter of 2 feet (60.96 cm) you shouldn't cut the root closer than 16 feet (4.8 meters) from the tree itself.
2
Avoid choosing the largest roots. Larger roots are called structural roots and are important in keeping the tree in place. These roots begin at the base of the tree and flare out. Do not cut larger roots 6 inches (152.4mm) to one foot (304.8mm) from the trunk for every inch in diameter that the tree is. You can measure the diameter of the tree by wrapping a tape measure around the tree at chest height.^{[2]
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- For instance, you shouldn't cut a tree that's 16-inches (406.4mm) in diameter 8 feet (2.4384 meters) to 16 feet (4.8768 meters) from the trunk.
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When removing large portions of the tree's roots, make sure to wait up to three years before cutting more roots. Removing over 20% of your tree's roots will seriously harm it and could kill it.^{[3]
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Research source} If you plan on cutting a large portion of the roots from a tree, consider completely removing the tree instead.
4
Consult an arborist if you're unsure of yourself. If you don't feel confident cutting a tree's roots, then you should seek professional guidance before doing so. Arborists from a local cooperative extension will sometimes provide tree root pruning services for a fee. If you'd rather do it yourself, see if you can have them come in for a smaller consultation fee.
- Arborists will have the equipment and knowledge to safely remove the tree roots for you.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Digging Up the Roots

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Measure a safe distance away from the tree before digging your hole. If the roots that you want to remove are underground, you'll need to reveal them with a shovel. Dig a hole around the tree where you want to remove the roots using a trenching or a digging shovel. Do your best not to disrupt or break the tree's roots while you do this.
Once you've located the root you want to remove, use spray paint, colored chalk, or a thick marker to mark the spot where you'll cut the tree root. Marking the root will help guide you and prevent you from cutting the root too close to the tree. Simply mark the root with a line that will help guide where to cut with the saw.
Dig around the root with a smaller spade, making sure to dig under the root as well. Leave space around the root, so it's easier to cut it. Completely reveal the area where you'll cut with your shovel and give yourself enough space to make cuts.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Cutting and Removing the Roots

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1
Cut the root where you marked. For smaller roots, like those that are less than an inch (2.54 cm) in diameter, you can use regular gardening shears or gardening scissors to cut the root.^{[4]
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Research source} If you are cutting a larger root, you'll need to use a special tool -- a root saw or a mechanical reciprocating saw. You can purchase these saws at home and gardening stores or online.
- Some store locations will allow you to rent reciprocating saws for a daily rate.
Grab the loose end of the root and pull it towards you until it tears free from the ground. If the root is embedded deeply into the ground, you may need to dig up more soil around the root. Once you're done, discard the root, and continue doing this to the other roots that you're cutting.
3
Install a barrier. To keep the root from growing back, put in a barrier under the soil before you fill in the hole. Use a heavy duty plastic tree root barrier, and install it 30-inches (76 centimeters) below the surface of the soil.^{[5]
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- You can purchase a plastic tree root barrier at most lawn and garden centers.
Fill the hole you've made with mulch or fertilizer purchased from the store. As an alternative to mulch, you can also fill your trench with grass seeds or sod if you want grass in the area. Take your cut tree's roots and dispose of them.
5
Monitor the tree in the upcoming days. Take a look at your tree on a daily basis and evaluate its health. If branches are starting to die and fall off, it could be a sign that you've done too much root damage and have killed your tree. This is dangerous because it could cause the tree to fall. If this is the case, you'll have to remove the entire tree.
- If you notice that the tree is dying, it's best to call an arborist or landscaping company as soon as possible. They will be able to evaluate whether you need to remove the tree and the steps you can take next.

Expert Q&A

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Question

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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