How to remove tree roots from your lawn?

This can even involve calling a professional to get rid of the same as it is a complex procedure. Remember, tree roots are a tough nut to crack. It can be a complicated affair, which depends upon the tree size or the reason for the removal. In this article, we will discuss the ways of removing the tree roots in detail and reasons for doing so. Now, let us start the discussion: 

How to remove tree roots? 

There are several ways of doing so; we will discuss some common methods of doing so; lets start: 

Physically remove tree roots on your own

The first method to get rid of the tree roots is to remove the tree stump and the roots physically. It is often the safest but very laborious method to get rid of the same. You must dig to get rid of the two or use a stump grinder. Again as said, it depends upon the size of the tree roots size that will decide the time and labor you need to remove them. You can opt for a DIY venture only when dealing with small stumps and tree roots. 

To dig the tree roots, you must first call a utility company to ensure that you are not digging around a sewer, water or any other underground water lines. You need some tools to get rid of the roots and stump with the following tools: 

• Spade
• Grub hoe 
• Loppers
• Root saw (in some cases)

When you are digging out tree roots with your hand, follow the steps given below: 

• Use a spade to dig the soil surrounding the roots till you expose them. Now, pull the loose roots until there is no one remaining. 
• In the next step, you must use a grub hoe to lift the cut roots. 
• Start pulling the extras by hand if you wish to. Pushing the stump in the front and opposite directions makes the roots loose to get rid of the soil. 
• You can remove the root ball from your soil using a root saw. A root saw is required if you find the roots very thick to deal with the loppers. 

Using a Stump Grinder to Remove Tree Roots

Digging and pulling the tree roots with your hands is not always the case. The cases may differ when digging the tree roots becomes a difficult job. You can also find another option to remove the same, including stump grinding. This process deals with pesky tree trunks and stubborn tree roots. As you get rid of them quickly with this method, you also create fresh wood mulch. For this method, you need a shovel and Chainsaw, apart from a stump grinder, which you can get on rent. 

You must pay $100 to $400 to get the said tool on rent. You can get them in your local store or from brands like Home Depot and Lowe. As you work on this venture, you may encounter some debris all around; hence experts recommend arming yourself with safety gear. These include covering your entire body with a long sleeve shirt and pants and getting protective glasses and headgear. Also, check the following points in mind while carrying out this process: 

• You can use a chainsaw for trimming the trunk by keeping it close to the ground. Now dig the rocks and debris found around the trunk and then use the grinder to keep the edges secure. 
• Once you find the roots and trunk are prepped, you can drive the grinder over the stump and then start grinding. 
• You should grind the tree trunk to a few inches (2-4 inches), and this should follow using a shovel to dig the tree roots that are linked to the trunk. 
• Once the process is complete, you must check the other areas to start their treatment. You can rake the loose wood chips or shovel them

As you’ve completed the process, it’s time to treat the area. You can do this by shoveling or raking the loose wood chips onto the area where the stump was. Also, add topsoil and grass seed if it is in a grassy area. If not, use a mulch to help cover it.

Continue to check on the hole and treat it until it becomes a natural part of the yard. Doing any free weekend on a DIY basis can be a difficult job, so it is always good to call a professional for the same. 

Treat the Tree Roots With Chemicals

If you are willing to treat the tree’s roots, you can also rely on a chemical-based herbicide option. It’s quick to work fast and makes you free from the roots. You can even add more natural options with the help of rock salt, which looks pretty effective. However, it can be time-consuming. You can even use Epsom salt or any other concentrated form agent. Avoid using table salt, and it may not hamper the trick. 

The first option to try is to use chemical compounds. Remember, this option is simple but, at the same time, very time-consuming. For this method, you need the following tools: 

• Water hose 
• Saw 
• Garden sprayer or paintbrush 
• A herbicide – you can try glyphosate herbicide with some ingredient concentration (41% is a decent choice). 

Experts suggest wearing all the safety gear like a face shield, safety goggles, dust mask and hearing protection when you are working with the saw.  Some of the other vital tips to consider while pursuing this job are as under: 

• You can use a saw to make fresh cuts over the tree stump. 
• You tend to saturate the outer layer of the tree with water.  Adding water can help the herbicide enter the tree roots.
• In the next step, you need to mix water and glyphosate herbicide with a 50/50 ratio to make a solution.  Use a water sprayer to put water over the outer ring of the tree stump.  Avoid the solution on any grass or close to any other plant. 
• Once you apply this chemical, you need to wait for around two weeks to see the roots completely dying. 

Remove Roots With Rock Salt

Once you apply the rock salt to the tree roots, this method takes a couple of months to get the work done. For this, you need the following tools and other things: 

• Drill bit that’s 3/8 of an inch in diameter.
• A drill
• Water
• Rock salt

While carrying out this task, you need to take care of handling rock salt and then wear gloves, as it can cause a burning effect on your skin. The process gives salt burn; hence taking the precaution is important. For effectively carrying out this process, the following tips can help you a lot, have a look:

• Start by drilling a couple of holes in the stump, making it 3-4 inches deep. Also, make sure you drill holes in the exposed roots found in the ground. 
• You need to fill every hold using rock salt and then sufficient water to cover the hole without spilling them out and causing any damage to several other vegetation. Keep repeating things a couple of times. 
• The rock salt will gradually showcase its result, making it dead. 

What is the simplest way of removing the tree roots? 

One of the simplest choices is to dig around the slump and allow the roots to get exposed. You can then use the chainsaw/hatchet to cut the large size roots, while you can use gardening shears for cutting the smaller roots.

What will Dissolve Tree Roots?

A glyphosate herbicide or rock salt can work well with some active ingredient concentration against the tree roots. You can find that 41% can remain dissolved with the tree roots. 

What tools do you need to remove the tree roots? 

The choice of tools for the tree roots will depend upon the size, while some of the common ones include hatchet, chainsaw, gardening shears, hand saw or hatchet to cut the roots. 

In conclusion, removing tree roots is not often a simple job. It demands time, expertise and the array of right tools. Considering it on a DIY basis may not be the right choice. Calling experts like Eden can help you accomplish this job perfectly and without hampering the lawn landscape. Call Eden for more.