Trees can be tough organisms. Even when a large, old tree is felled, its roots can still be alive. In some cases, those roots can be tough enough for the tree to grow back. Here are a number of ways you and a professional arborist can deal with roots.

Use a Stump Grinder

The most effective way to remove roots after you’ve cut down a tree is to grind out the stump. This needs to be done by a professional because the stump grinder is a heavy and frankly dangerous piece of equipment. The carbide teeth of a stump grinder reduce a stump to wood chips, which makes it easy to take it and at least some of the roots out altogether. Stump grinding also reduces the risk of disease or pests that may attack a decaying stump.

Pull Roots Out by Hand

If the tree is quite young and not very tall, you may be able to pull the roots out by hand. Use a spade to expose as much of the root as possible, then pry it up and out. If the root is deep and complex, you may need to use a power saw to remove all of it.

Pour On the Salt

You can also use salt to kill the root. Use a drill to make 6-inch deep holes in the root and plug them up with a salt of your choice. Many people prefer Epsom salt. Add water, cover the stump with a tarp, and check it every other week or so. You’ll know if it’s working when the stump starts to visibly decompose. As decomposition continues, it will be easier to pull the roots out manually.

Use an Herbicide

You can also use a glyphosate-based herbicide to deal with roots from a felled tree. This herbicide is also best applied by a professional who will wear protective gear and know how to use the chemical safely. This method kills the roots in about two weeks.

Create a Coppice

Maybe you actually want the tree to grow back after it’s cut down. This is called coppicing. The stump, which is called a stool, is allowed to sprout branches. When these branches are a certain size, they can be harvested for firewood, woodworking, or whatever else you need them for. You can do this for many years without killing the stump and its roots.

Call Us if You Need Help After Tree Removal

The roots that are left after a tree has been cut down can be both unsightly and hazardous, but you don’t have to keep them on your property until they rot away. But before you deal with the roots, you’ll need to remove your tree. For tree removal service, give our professional arborists a call at The Tree Doctor in Springfield, MO.