Im having this years redone, and a sticking point is what to do with this tree. I'd like to save it, but it's roots are crazy. Can some of these roots be cut out to tame it a bit? or does it risk the tree. current concrete guy wants to border the tree with a landscape edge after some "shaving" of the roots but im not sure that's wise. Anyway, how much of these things can be cut out? First two photos Are ones im wanting removed.
by Sea_Poem_7199
6 Comments
No, what you want to do is put a thin layer of mulch over them 1-4 inches thick. No more than that or you’ll cause root rot. Cutting them will either kill the tree or topple it, since those roots are both its main source of water and support to stay upright, and if the tree is healthy then removing it is the absolute last resort
No.
Harming the roots is the best way to ensure the tree fails. Roots are to trees as foundations are to buildings.
You need to airspade around the base of the tree to expose the root flare. Then install a mulch bed. The roots need to be protected.
If that’s not appealing to you, I’d save yourself the hassle and just remove the tree.
Definitely don’t cut the roots. Concrete guys typically don’t make the right call when it comes to tree work, lol. Even if you don’t “shave” the roots, if you were to install a concrete ring, the tree would still get stressed from the compaction of its surrounding soil. Best bet is to leave the tree be, an even better option would be to airspade that puppy and throw a mulch ring about 2 inches thick.
Tap roots (aka exposed roots) draw nutrients from the surface for the plant it’s supporting.
Some of those roots are girdling and could possibly be removed. Or should be removed. Shaving roots etc putting in concrete border is really a bad idea. The concrete guy knows about concrete he doesn’t know shit about trees. Speak to a certified arborist. In my 28 years of tree work I have done root pruning. Is it always the best for the tree no. Can it be done possibly. You don’t want to remove buttress roots but, it comes down to you have to live with it. Urban trees take a lot of abuse in general. And I’m going to get down voted for this but some of that abuse is actually necessary as we have to live with these trees. It doesn’t always have to be no touch it at all or remove it there can be a happy median. If you were to remove one root every year with a tree fall apart? Probably not. Speak with a qualified arborist about your goals on the tree. It can be maintained and most likely fit within your vision to a point it may have to be altered The tree or your vision. That being said the guy that mows your grass, or the dude laying concrete is not the person to speak with about your tree
This is the 29^(nd) most common question on the tree subs, including “can I plant turfgrass here in the deep shade after I cut and cover the roots with topsoil, my ____ says I can”