If trees are healthy, they are going to spread their roots from the trunk to nearby areas. While it is good to have healthy trees, it can also damage residential and commercial yards. In the eyes of most homeowners, tree roots can damage a yard that is otherwise beautifully manicured.
If these tree roots aren’t handled quickly, they can become an unsightly problem. Furthermore, they can even be dangerous for people working in the yard and for children playing nearby, as tree roots are a major trip hazard.
The good news is that there are ways to deal with tree roots. Cutting the tree roots is not good enough. There are a few factors to keep in mind.
Consider the Age and Stability of the Trees
When homeowners decide to remove visible tree roots, it is important to think about how old the tree is and how stable it might be. Older trees might become unstable without this root support and even younger trees are going to need time to adjust. This should play a role when deciding how many tree roots to trim and how the trees are going to survive in the future.
Of course, the average homeowner may not be able to tell how old a tree is. This is where it is important to work with professionals who have the right tools to trim trees correctly. Finally, after removing tree roots, pay close attention to the leaves. If the leaves start to turn dark, this could be a sign the tree is struggling. If infestations start to develop at the sites where the roots were trimmed, this is a sign the tree might be dying.
Target Sprouts Quickly
If there are a few upright stems which obviously come from roots in the yard, they need to be removed quickly to keep the problem under control. Even a lawn edger can help homeowners control this problem.
Sprouts are small and weak; however, they might become large, healthy shrubs or trees down the road. If they are allowed to spread, there will be huge roots that end up destroying the yard. They can even jeopardize a healthy Palm tree that might be in the nearby area, as it leeches nutrients from it. Try to stay on top of sprouts and remove them as soon as they appear.
Think About Other Methods
While most people think about cutting tree roots, there are alternatives. For example, rock salt is a great choice. It can stop tree roots from sprouting in the lawn by dehydrating them. When using rock salt, try to keep pets away because this can become a serious health hazard. While this might take some time, it is a friendlier method of removing tree roots than simply cutting them.
Target Invasive Roots in the Ground
When trying to trim tree roots, it is a good idea to cut less problematic roots first. This is because this will reduce the risk of damaging other plants that might be in the nearby area. First, day to dig out as much soil under and around the roots. It is also a good idea to trim the lawn around the roots with a cordless weed eater. Once the roots are exposed, cut them with a saw.
It is important to avoid cutting more significant roots as the tree might start to tilt. To avoid this problem, reach out to us at Pope Tree Service to learn more about our tree shaping or emergency tree services.
The Risk of Herbicides
Aside from cutting tree roots, another option is to deploy herbicides. This is less about cutting tree roots and more about killing them. While herbicides will do the job, they also create serious risks. They will damage not only the targeted roots but also the roots of other trees that might live in the nearby area. For example, San Diego is home to popular trees including the Torrey Pine and Liquid Amber species of trees. If these trees have roots in the nearby area, they might be damaged as well.
Remember that many of these trees live in clonal colonies. This means that they have root structures that come together underground. To avoid damaging the environment, it is always a good idea to rely on the help of tree professionals.
Contact Pope Tree Service of San Diego County Today
If you are looking for trained San Diego tree care professionals who can help you keep tree roots from damaging your yard, then look no further than Pope Tree Service of San Diego County. Our professionals have the training and expertise to tackle a wide variety of landscaping issues. We can leverage these skills to make your dream yard come to life. To learn more about how we can help you, contact us today!