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Writer's pictureHenry Landeros

Will I Hurt My Trees If I Cut the Tree Roots?

You’re enjoying a lovely afternoon on the front porch when your wife points at the pretty oak tree out front and says, “As much as I love that tree, can we call someone to cut or trim back all the exposed tree roots coming up from the ground?” While you understand what she’s saying and wouldn’t mind making her happy, you can’t help but wonder if that will hurt the tree.


We’re going to get right to the point — your suspicions are 100% correct. You will likely hurt your tree by cutting the tree roots. After all, tree roots provide your tree with a stable foundation and give it access to proper nutrients and water year-round.


Many homeowners don’t realize this and instead “hack away” in an attempt to improve their lawn’s curb appeal. 


Just a Few Consequences of Cutting Tree Roots


  1. Loss of stability, putting the tree at risk of falling over in the future

  2. A reduction in nutrients and water the tree needs to thrive

  3. Tree growth above and below ground is stunted due to root damage

  4. An increase in insects, pests, and diseases

  5. Increased soil erosion

  6. A gradual decline in the tree’s overall health


With so many negative consequences, what do you do when you don’t like the look of all those exposed tree roots radiating outward from the bottom of your tree? Honestly, the easy answer is to do nothing. If your tree has that many large roots radiating from it, and the roots aren’t causing potential harm or damage to you, your property, the sidewalk, and the rest of your yard, you can almost guarantee that the tree is stable and will continue to be a healthy element in your yard for years to come. 


That said, your friends at Clean Edge Tree Service & Removal in Lewisville understand when homeowners want to make their yards as pretty and inviting as possible. Tree roots can sometimes get in the way of that mission. Instead of cutting tree roots, do this instead:


  • Where possible, add mulch to conceal exposed tree roots

  • Consider adding more grass or ground cover

  • Apply a thin layer of topsoil over the exposed roots

  • Incorporate decorative stones, rocks, or edging materials to conceal the roots

  • Construct a raised bed around the tree and plant flowers or small shrubs


How Can Hiring Clean Edge Help?


Hiring a tree service professional to deal with exposed tree roots is only necessary if the roots are invading your foundation or nearby structures or were left behind from a previous tree removal job. If your tree is sick or damaged and needs to be removed, you can count on Clean Edge Tree Service & Removal in Lewisville to safely remove the tree, the stump, and any tree roots.


Even the best trees succumb to disease, insects, and Mother Nature. And when this happens, the prudent thing to do is remove that tree sooner rather than later. Our arborists and tree service professionals have the expertise and equipment to handle tree removal, including emergency removals for dangerous or fallen trees. We take care of everything, so you don’t have to worry. Trust us to handle your tree removal needs with precision and care.


Call Clean Edge Tree Service & Removal Today!


Clean Edge Tree Service & Removal in Lewisville, TX, has served North Texas since 2016. More importantly, we have the equipment and experience to handle any tree needs safely and efficiently. Don’t believe us? Give us a call today!


There isn’t a tree in Lewisville that we can’t handle. Call Clean Edge Tree Service & Removal today!


Adding mulch to tree roots is recommended

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