How to Remove Tree Roots

How to Remove Tree Roots
By Tobias Theodore Arthur

For many people the roots are the least of their problems when entirely removing an establish tree or plant. Most focus on the visible eyesore provided in the form of a stump, and pull, dig, split and grind it out of the ground. Throughout the process the tree roots are usually severed, and left to their own devices they will soon rot away in the ground and out of sight, so most individuals have no reason to pay them much attention.

There are still a good few incentives to clear out the roots of a recently felled tree. If the tree grew particularly vigorous surface roots and had a wide canopy then you may find thick roots obstructing attempts to dig up ground for new trees. Though they'll decay of their own accord, many people prefer to be rid of them as early as possible, much like they do with stumps.

The simple way is often the most effective, and digging along the system from the centre, surfacing and cutting the roots as you reveal them, is a slow, laborious and very successful process. The best too for the job is a mattock, also used for planting and stump removal. Doubling as a lever for digging out soil and as a kind of axe you're unlikely to need much more equipment as you go.

Comparatively, winches represent a popular choice among those trying to remove larger, stronger root systems. Many elect to remove the trunk itself with a winch, an easier alternative to digging or splitting the trunk by hand. A tripod or car mounted winch is usually employed, though a tripod generally proves more effective. Unlike the other methods of trunk removal which leave roots in the ground, a powerful winch will be able to pull up a large proportion of the root system up with the trunk. If the canopy of the tree isn't overly wide then the existing root system may be removed altogether.

The issue with the above methods is they both involve digging up a good amount of turf. For those who want to speed up root removal without waiting for grass to regrow, more natural solutions are available. A stump removal technique carries over here. Uncover a small amount of the root system, drill holes in them and fill them with something to appeal to the pests who naturally feed off the tree, buttermilk attracts certain kinds of beetles, for instance. With luck they'll eat away at the root system, though success isn't guaranteed, and extreme caution and study must be employed when introducing new pests, in case they have a predilection for feeding on the other specimens close at hand.

Removing trees can often be a slow and difficult process, extended by any desire to remove root systems in addition to the trunk. By investing in the right tools and doing a little research however, it's easy enough to minimise the mess and damage done to your garden in the interim.

From fruit tree containers to climate change, Tobias Arthur writes about every aspect of gardening and the environment. Currently featured as a collaborator with English Woodlands he looks forward to expanding his audience and spreading his word.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tobias_Theodore_Arthur
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Remove-Tree-Roots&id=7467728