Your tree is only as strong as the roots that support it. Sometimes, however, circumstances dictate that the roots of a tree be cut or trimmed.
Maybe a tree is outgrowing the area in which it is located; specifically, a tree may be growing too close to the foundation of your home or business. These roots also can interfere with utility lines—specifically for water and sewage—which can lead to costly repair bills.
Cutting or trimming exposed tree roots only for aesthetic purposes is not recommended.
Trimming tree roots is a complex procedure. It is important to cut as little as possible from the root. The more you cut, the greater the chance that permanent damage will be done to the tree. Your tree should be monitored for any signs of decay or decline following a root trimming.
If you choose to trim the roots yourself, planning is vital. You need to determine the exact root you want to cut. You want to avoid cutting larger roots, as this is more likely to damage the tree. You want to avoid cutting too close to the tree itself.
When it comes time to cut the actual root, use a small shovel or spade to dig out soil from around the precise area of the root you are going to cut. This will make it easier to pull the root free after it has been trimmed. Use a root saw or, for thinner roots, pruning shears to make the actual cut. Once the trimmed root is removed, fill in the area with sod or grass seeds.
Tree root trimming should not be performed by a novice. If done incorrectly, the entire tree could be lost. We strongly suggest seeking professionals to perform a root trimming, and at Promier Tree we not only have the experience performing these procedures, but our certified arborists have the training to determine exactly which roots should be trimmed or if the trimming is even necessary. Schedule a consultation today by calling our office at (423) 872-2988.
Promier Tree serves the areas of Bristol, Johnson City, and Kingsport, TN.