We have a tree we are trying to preserve. It is a big leaf maple. The tree has a 24” diameter main trunk. We do not know how old the tree is, other than our house was built around the tree and the house is 50 years old.
It had a bifurcated trunk (up very high) and one trunk suddenly died. We had the dead side professionally removed by a licensed and certified arborist and the tree is maintained every 2-3 years by that arborist.
Surrounding the tree on two sides is asphalt. We are removing the asphalt on one side and replacing it with pavers. We have encountered 2 large roots and want to know if it is okay to remove the roots. (We will not remove them if it compromises the tree.)
The first root is perhaps 4” in diameter and is 4’ away from the center of the tree.
The second root is larger, perhaps 6” in diameter and 8’ away from the center of the tree.
Attached are pictures with measurements.
We might also try to reach out to our arborist, but he is typically very busy and schedules out very far and we are hoping to not lose a lot of time on this project.
Thanks.
by Donuts__For__All
5 Comments
Before doing any cutting, I would definitely have the arborist come out and look in person. Although these don’t seem too big compared to the size of the trunk, any cutting that close can lower the structural integrity.
I definitely second the idea of asking the arborist. Not being an arborist myself, I would be very hesitant to cut any roots since it sounds like the tree might already be struggling (based on the loss of its other branch).
Removing those roots will increase the likelihood that the tree will fall on your house.
With the tree being that close I would do nothing to decrease stability.
Absolutely do not cut those roots. They are likely the “Buttress” or main root archeture keeping your tree upright. I would even be hesitant shaving them since it is a big leaf maple. They are terrible at sealing wounds. If you can build around them, i would recommend that.
I wouldn’t touch those typically thick roots like that are what help prevent trees from coming down in storms and as someone else said the tree likely isn’t in the very best health already.