Tree roots are an ubiquitous force. Most areas have trees at least two years old that have grown roots. These roots are termed tree roots, and they can be beautiful!
Tree roots are the primary way trees obtain water and nutrients. They also help stabilize the soil and create a protective layer over plant bulbs and other plants underneath.
With trees being such large plants, it is no surprise that treeroots are an important part of their care. Because of this, it is important to know how to remove them safely.
There are two main ways to remove treeroots: via dig sites or via trenching. Both methods can be delicate to if something goes wrong, but the latter is safer! We will talk more about dig sites below when we discuss which ones require this awareness.
When looking for tools to remove treeroots, there are a few things to watch for.
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Hand removal
Another important tool to remove tree roots is the hand. You can use a leafless plant or root can be removed with a knife.
Both the top and bottom of the plant can be grabbed with both hands. The bottom of the plant is where the roots are located, and you pull on this section to remove it.
You may need to do this repeatedly, once for every four feet of plant you wish to free. Once you have freed all of your plants, give them some room to grow before planting any new plants.
This same method can be used on tree branches, although some tree experts would suggest that you wait until after winter rains to do this.
Diatomaceous earth
Another tool to remove tree roots is diatomaceous earth. This highly effective substance was created thousands of years ago by mixing rock with water to create a powder that will cut through tree roots.
Diatomaceous earth was originally created as a pesticide and is now used for many things, including cutting tree root systems. It can be purchased as a liquid or dry patch, which is applied to the roots.
Its effects last for several weeks and are noticeable in the fact that the trees look whiter and smell stronger. It is important to use enough of it to fully cover the root system, but not too much so that it does not work.
Because it contains tiny parts of plants, diatomaceous earth cannot be used on living trees- only diseased or fallen ones. Nonetheless, it can be used on young trees, in case there are any root systems.
Chemicals
Several non-chemical tree root removal methods are discussed in this article. Some of these methods are discussed in depth, while others are simply mentioned.
Healers work with alternative approaches to tree root care. They may suggest utilities to remove roots, such as electrical cables or power lines, or they may suggest more traditional root care methods such as pesticides or fungicides.
Some Healers even suggest planting a rootsystem or grafting techniques instead of using a pruning tool. The grafting process involves an uncertain but positive outcome that some trees feel comfortable with.
Replace protocols can be difficult if the landowner no longer has access to good root care measures.
Hot water bath
Another tool that can be used to remove tree roots is a hot water bath. This is best suited for very thick roots that need to be removed.
Hot water baths are not hard to find, but they do take a little effort to get all the way through the root. This takes time and concentration, so do not rush it.
Once the root is removed, it must be dried carefully to prevent damage to the tree. It should then be replaced in a similar location where you took it out, only this time let it sit until warm water has warmed up the soil around the root.
This process can take several months to complete, so do not expect any results right away.
Steam injection
Another tool to remove tree roots is called steam injection. This is a method that uses high pressure from a steam source to loosen up soil and roots.
Soil and roots are heated by the pressure from the steam, which makes it work more efficiently. As the soil is delicate, do not use if you do not have enough strength to pull the root out.
It may also be unsafe to use on trees close to a building or in an area where there are special cultural or natural ties to the tree such as a roof, or where there are ongoing rumors of health problems.
We recommend using this tool on newly planted trees, or when you need to remove some roots but cannot because of safety issues. You can also use it later in the season when you need some more room for growth.
Chemical injection
Another way to remove tree roots is by using a chemical injection. This can be very dangerous and should be used with caution.
When a chemical is injected into the soil, it becomes trapped until the conditions are right for it to work. To create the right conditions for the injection, you must provide adequate moisture and remove the roots when they are finished.
Too much of a chemical will back up out of the ground and not pull away as smoothly as expected. Also, people have reported having trouble using the tool because they are afraid of what they will release into their environment.
Because this treatment can potentially release dangerous substances into your surroundings, it is recommended that only small injections be made.
Suction removal
Another tool to use when tree roots are present is the vacuum removal tool. These are typically sold for cleaning floors and removing debris from around the house.
Using a vacuum removal tool can be tricky when tree roots are present. You must be careful not to over-tighten the power cord or it will not work. It must be used gently so as not to break down the root system.
You also must watch your child as they use it because it can be dangerous if it breaks down any major organs like the heart or lungs. This may be best used by someone that has some experience with it first!
ccoli roots can form a hard surface and thus create a path for the vacuum to travel through. If you notice your child is having trouble getting a good grip on the root, try using some softer shoes to help them get better access.
Extraction professionals
a term used for tree roots is extraction. This process can be done by professional tree root removers or home-made methods.
To extract a tree root, you first need to determine where the root is located. Then, you can use a tool or device to loosen the roots. Once they are loosened, you can move your tree away!
Some tools are designed to be used on larger trees, while others are better suited for smaller ones. Some professionals use specialized devices that they create using lumber and materials found in stores.
Either way, these specialists always take into account the risk of the tree to the tool they use. As with any tool with high risk, there may be a slight tear at some point during extraction.