Above-ground tree roots can be a real headache, especially when they show up where you don’t want them... sticking out of the lawn, tripping people, or getting in the way of mowing.
Whether you're dealing with leftover roots after tree removal or surface roots pushing up through your grass, the removal methods don’t have to be complicated. It's not a daunting task and you can handle most tree root removal with some basic tools, patience, and a little elbow grease.
Spotting and Choosing Which Roots to Remove
Not all visible roots need to go. Some at the ground level aren’t hurting anything and belong to healthy trees that are still standing. Before grabbing a shovel, look at what it's connected to. Is the tree still alive? Is it healthy? Removing too many larger roots can harm or even kill a tree.
If the tree is gone or already a problem, it’s a different story. You can usually remove any roots leftover from stump grinding without potential hazards.
If you’ve got roots running through the grass and they’re making mowing tough, focus on those first. They’re often shallow and spread wide, which makes them easier to cut and pull out. Deep roots are harder and may take more time or heavier power tools.
How to Remove Roots After a Tree Has Been Cut
Once a tree is gone from your landscaping, the root growth stops, but they won’t disappear on their own anytime soon. If you’ve already removed the tree stump, the next task is dealing with the leftover root sections. Some folks rent a stump grinder and take care of tree stump removal and roots all at once, but that’s not always necessary.
Sometimes the fastest method is manual removal. Dig around the entire root with a shovel or mattock to loosen the soil. Once it's exposed, use loppers, a pair of pruning shears, a saw, or an axe to cut it into sections. Pull out what you can. Anything that breaks off underground will slowly rot over time, which is usually fine unless it's causing an issue.
This removal process doesn't warrant a tone of protective gear, but you should at least wear eye protection for flying dirt, and gloves, because those underground roots can be sticky, sappy messes.
If you're dealing with large, deep roots that won’t budge, try this approach:
- Cut it clean with a saw or reciprocating saw
- Use a pry bar to lift it if it’s stuck
- Fill in the hole with soil after root removal to prevent sinkage
- Let smaller bits decay naturally underground
How to Get Rid of Tree Roots in the Lawn
Roots that push up through the grass are more than just an eyesore—they can damage mowers and trip people. These are usually feeders, which grow wide and shallow. If the tree is still standing, removing them can stress or kill it; however, if you’re set on keeping your lawn clear, you can safely start pruning roots a few at a time.
Cutting them cleanly is better than ripping or chopping with a dull blade. Once you expose it, slice it with a saw or pruning shears. Avoid cutting closer than a few feet from the trunk—anything too close can cause real damage.
After removing it, fill the hole with topsoil and patch the lawn with grass seed. Roots leave gaps and low spots that can cause poor drainage problems if left unfilled. You might also consider adding mulch a few inches deep around trees in the future, which hides roots and protects them without grass competing on top.
FAQ
Can I pour chemicals on roots to kill them?
You can, but the chemical method isn't always the best first move. Some chemical herbicides do kill them, but they can also affect nearby plants, soil health, and groundwater. Root killers take time to work and may not be as effective on large or older ones. Digging and cutting is usually safer and faster.
Why do tree roots grow above ground in the first place?
Some tree species naturally grow shallow roots, especially in areas of soil compaction or poorly drained soil. Roots need air to survive; if the soil is too packed or wet, they’ll come to the surface looking for oxygen. Mulching and good watering habits can help prevent this.
