Schloogs Posted May 7, 2008 Share Posted May 7, 2008 This may be a dumb question but I have to ask it. When there are tree roots that surfuce and stick up from the ground, to the point where the lawn mower blade clips them, will it damage the tree at all if I take a hatchet to the root and remove it? I have a couple of roots doing this and are a pain but I don't want to damage the tree. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hoggs222 Posted May 7, 2008 Share Posted May 7, 2008 I believe it will be bad for the tree. There were some earlier posts about putting mulch around the tree, so you don't have to mow the area. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishermatt Posted May 7, 2008 Share Posted May 7, 2008 Assuming this is a big mature tree, losing 1 or 2 roots shouldn't hurt it. If it's not a mature tree, then removing roots would probably be bad for it. Also, If you could just take some of the top of the root off so your mower blade won't hit, and not chop it all the way out it might scar over and be below your mower blade but still be a valid root. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Powerstroke Posted May 7, 2008 Share Posted May 7, 2008 Whether the tree is mature or not it will miss the root, especially if its reaching up to the mower. Unless there is an erosion problem, I wouldn't do anything to the roots. If you add dirt, the roots will continue to move to the surface. Thats the way they like it. The best thing you could do is mulch around the base of the tree and reduce the amount of mowing you have to do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schloogs Posted May 8, 2008 Author Share Posted May 8, 2008 Thanks for the info. I am glad I asked, I was all ready to get out there and start a choppin' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul pachowicz Posted May 13, 2008 Share Posted May 13, 2008 root trimming is a common practice to control root invasion or being an obstacle. The nutrient intake in the root system is in the top 18 inches of the soil and is taken in by the fine hair like "tenticles". WHACK AWAY!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PikeTipper Posted May 15, 2008 Share Posted May 15, 2008 So which is it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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