Tree-lined streets and tree-filled yards are a beautiful sight to see—until it’s deemed necessary to take a tree down, leaving you with a tree stump and roots. Whatever the reason for taking the tree down, killing the roots is an entirely separate issue that needs to be addressed. Depending on the tree species, roots left in the ground may produce new shoots or root suckers, and even roots that eventually die can interfere with future landscaping or construction. Ahead, we spoke with experts to learn how—and why—to kill the roots of a tree, plus when it’s best to leave it to the pros.
Meet Our Expert
Related: How to Kill a Tree Stump Safely and Effectively, According to Experts
Why You Might Need to Kill Tree Roots
There are a few reasons why homeowners may need to take a tree down and kill its roots. The most important thing to keep in mind, though, is that you don’t kill the roots of a tree before taking the tree itself down. “If the tree is still standing, don’t kill its roots — roots are what hold the tree up,” says Mark Russell, an ISA-certified arborist and founder of 770 Arborist Emergency Tree & Crane. “So if you end up killing the roots, you actually caused a bigger problem by destabilizing the tree.”
The Roots Still Have Energy
You might think that if you’ve taken a tree down, you don’t need to do anything else. But the tree’s roots still have stored energy, and they’re going to use it. “Usually the tree is already gone, and the roots don’t know it yet,” says Russell. “There’s a couple of years of energy banked down there, so trees like Bradford pears, crape myrtle, and sweetgum will throw sprouts all over the yard for seasons.”
The Roots Are Causing Property Damage
A tree itself might be healthy, but its roots are causing damage around it, such as buckling sidewalks or driveways, making removal necessary. “A tree growing beneath utility lines or too close to a home, driveway, foundation, sidewalk, or patio may create safety concerns or cause costly damage as its roots and canopy expand,” says Dan Gregg, CEO and founder of Grelen Nursery.
The Tree Is an Invasive Species
Yes, there are invasive species of trees, just like plants and insects. If you have an invasive tree variety, it’s best to remove it. “Some invasive species spread aggressively and compete with native plants, making removal the best long-term solution for the landscape,” says Gregg.
The Roots Are Negatively Impacting Surrounding Plants
Some trees have roots that are not just extensive and deep but also release a toxic compound that can suppress the growth of surrounding plants. “Certain species, such as black walnut, release compounds into the soil that inhibit the growth of many other plants,” says Gregg. “When a homeowner wants to establish new landscaping in that area, removing the tree may be the best option.”
Tips
Always call 811 before digging out tree roots to avoid accidentally hitting underground utility lines. Contacting 811 ensures these lines are located and marked before you dig.
The Best Ways to Kill Tree Roots
There are a few different ways to kill tree roots, from using machinery to excavate the roots to using natural methods like Epsom salt.
Dig Out the Roots
Gregg says the most effective approach is to physically remove the stump and root system. “We typically use specialized equipment, such as a mini excavator, to dig out the stump and major roots,” he says. If you don’t have access to specialized equipment, you can dig out the roots with a shovel, but this takes significantly more time and is much more labor-intensive, says Gregg.
Starve the Roots
Even without a tree to support their growth, the roots still have energy. But you can remove sprouts as you see them. “Cut every sprout the second it shows; the stump is a battery, and most root systems give up in a season or two; people just quit too early,” says Russell. “If you just keep snipping them as they come up, eventually, the tree will run out of energy.”
Let the Stump Decompose
Allowing the stump to decompose over time can eventually break down the root system, but the process often takes several years, says Gregg. If you prefer to go this route, you can speed the decomposition process slightly by covering the stump with a tarp to deprive it of sunlight and oxygen. However, Gregg notes that this method is typically impractical if the area is being prepared for new landscaping or construction.
Dehydrate the Roots with Epsom Salt
Epsom salt dehydrates and kills the roots over time. While this method requires patience, it is an alternative to using chemical herbicides. There are two ways to do it. The first method involves drilling holes into the tree stump, at least 8 inches or as far down as you can get, and filling the holes with Epsom salt. Pour water over the roots to keep the salt moist, then cover the stump with a tarp to keep rainwater from diluting the Epsom salt. Repeat this process every three to four weeks until the stump is dead.
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If you aren’t comfortable drilling holes, then make an Epsom salt soak. Combine one part Epsom salt with two parts water, and drench the stump and roots with the mixture. Cover the stump with a tarp and continue applying the Epsom salt mixture each week until it’s dried out and dead.
How to Fix Your Landscape After Root Removal
Whichever method you use to kill the tree roots will invariably leave you with a part of your landscape that is in need of remediation. But this is the easy part.
“Once the stump and roots have been removed, we typically regrade the area to match the surrounding landscape, add topsoil as needed, and install new sod, seed, mulch, or plantings,” Gregg says. “Proper grading and soil preparation help ensure the area blends seamlessly with the existing landscape.”
Russell notes that you should also add nitrogen to the new topsoil before planting grass. “Mix in nitrogen before grass goes down or you’ll get a yellow ring where the tree was,” he says. “And don’t plant a new tree in the same hole — move over 6 feet.”
When to Call a Professional for Tree Root Removal
Sometimes, the job of tree and root removal is too big for a homeowner to handle without professional help. “In general, any tree over 12 inches tall or with a trunk diameter greater than 6 inches should be evaluated and removed by a professional,” Gregg says. “Larger trees often require specialized equipment and experience to remove safely without damaging nearby structures, utilities, or surrounding landscapes.”
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Russell agrees, noting that if a tree stump is too large, it’s far safer to call a professional to kill and remove the roots. “Sometimes people don’t realize just how difficult they are to get out,” he says. “They think that their SUV is going to pull it out with a ratchet strap or a chain and they end up ripping their bumpers off.”
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