skip to main content

Impact of Removing an Oak Tree's Roots?

12 years ago

Hello all, I have a old, large oak tree along the street in the front of my house that I don't want to damage in doing some other landscapping. Here's a pic of a shrub I want to remove:

{{gwi:26747}}

The problem is the oak tree has a root the encompases about 1/3 or ground below that shrub:

{{gwi:26749}}

{{gwi:358976}}

Before I discovered the root my plan was to simply take out the shrub and plant some grass there. Now that I've discovered the root I'm not sure what to do. Can I remove that root without damaging the oak tree?

If not, the only other idea I have is to plant a smaller more attractive tree in place of the shrub and create a circular border containing the root. If that's the route I have to go, any suggestions for what type of tree to plant there that won't impact my ability to grow a healthy lawn?

Thanks in advance.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

greenthumbzdude
12 years ago
Just put a few inches of topsoil on the root and seed it with your grass mix. If you remove it, it might cause stability issues with the tree. This may cause it to fall over in high winds, ect.
kmack17
Original Author
12 years ago
Sounds good. I didn't realize seeding on top of the root would be an options.

Thanks
Related Discussions
Oak Tree Roots
Q
Comments (4)
Oaks almost never sprout form the roots. Most likely it's acorns from last spring sprouting or seedlings that were never pulled out last year. Take a picture and post it if that may help with the identification.
...See More
Removing large oak tree for $4500?
Q
Comments (17)
I live in the Boston area, which has a high cost of living. On top of that, my town is affluent and some companies inflate their prices as soon as they hear the address. Fortunately I have a friend who is an arborist, and he is reasonable with his charges. Last November he removed 2 large Norway maples, along with some serious limbing of other trees. The Maples were 50 years old and at least 60 feet high. He had 4 guys working with him and both trees had to be climbed and cut piecemeal due to their locations, one being next to the house, the other near gardens. They worked all day. The wood was left behind in pieces (cut and taken away by another friend). Some but not all of the brush was chipped and left in a pile. One of the stumps was ground. Total cost - $1500. I would have expected a quote of maybe double that from one of the local tree companies. $4500 seems ridiculously high for one tree, even if tree is huge, next to a house, power lines, etc. and the arborist is not a friend. Perhaps you could ask around for referrals from people you know. A couple of people have mentioned companies they know of that they said did good work for a reasonable fee. I would have looked into if I didn't know someone already.
...See More
Oak Tree Root Damage
Q
Comments (10)
For a real answer "Hale 5" you'd want to talk to a tree expert but I think you'd be fine. I've been working on a woodlands restoration on a steep bank by a stream in our neighborhood. Because I don't want trees to fall out of this bank when they mature in a couple decades I've picked only deep rooted tall tree species and ornamentals. Oak trees in general are characterized by having a strong tap root when young that transitions to deep lateral roots when older. So while I'm sure you'll damage some feeder roots while putting in your walkway - your tree should have plenty of other deep roots to keep it stable. And since it is only a walkway there should be plenty of feeder roots left to keep your tree nourished. If you want to be more careful, do your work in the Fall when your tree is going dormant and is not being stressed by heat. The U.S. Forest Service publishes a very handy resource online called the Sylvics Manual. It's entitled "Sylvics of North America" and comes in two volumes, Vol 1. Conifers and Vol. 2 Hardwoods. It is available online as html and downloadable pdf. I envy you your White Oak! It's a magnificant tree. Good luck with your project. -Helen Here is a link that might be useful: Silvics of North America
...See More
Will a shoot from a removed tree roots be a good tree?
Q
Comments (5)
Many trees gdow from suckers. It looks like the sucker is clear of the rotting trunk so I think you will be fine. Cottonwood grows from cuttings also btw. As far as the lean, if it is leaning towards the sun it may really want to grow that way. Either way with a potentially huge tree like Cottonwood I would try to prune it reasonably straight.
...See More
wisconsitom
12 years ago
Just go easy on the fill, KMack. All things in moderation still works in the vast majority of cases.

You shouldn't need to do much filling over that little area. And that big tree will hardly notice you were there! But yeah, don't cut the root(s) off!

+oM
poaky1
12 years ago
I'm surprised an oak would have a root sticking up like that. Anyway what about a shade loving groundcover? Grass may not be as good as groundcover because you will have to mow over these roots with grass. It's your choice but something like Ajuga, creeping Jenny, barren raspberry ( I think that's the name ) even Columbine if you get enough rain. There are lots of others out there. You can avoid the roots and trunk of your tree. I have most of my trees with groundcovers under them once they get big enough to provide shade to the plants. Just an idea.
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
12 years ago
first.. sharpen your shovel.. and get your tree saw ...

cut everything off the shrub.. leaving some good trunks for leverage ...

start digging around the shrub about 2 feet out.. it will be miserable work ... avoid the oak root ...

get the plastic out of there ...

get the shrub out..

then take a few more pix.. and we can come to some realistic suggestions about what to do with the area ...

i dont know why you would put a circle there ... maybe a quarter circle .. using the drive and the sidewalk ...

and please do not replace that plastic carp ...

its menial labor.. but someone has to do it ... because for sure.. that ugly thing.. has to go ...

ken
kmack17
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks for all of the advice. It's not a large area of my yard, so I can try grass this fall and if that fails consider a ground cover.

Thanks again
kmack17
Original Author
12 years ago
Hey Ken, I didn't see your post before. That plastic stuff was all over the yard, front and back. Anything that was planted was surrounded by it. I took it all out in the back and planted some arborvitae this past fall, which thanks to this forum, are doing well.

The front needs more work, but I will definitely start by getting rid of those shrubs and anything plastic. I'll post some pics after the shrubs are gone.

Related Stories

ADDITIONS Houzz Tour: Tree Respect Drives a Dynamic Modern Addition

Protecting a heritage oak calls for creative thinking, and this Texas home shows the successful result

PLANTING IDEAS Great Garden Combo: Rose + Clematis for Small-Space Impact

We all need somebody to lean on. And when a rose supports a climbing vine, the results can totally transform a small garden

GARDENING GUIDES How to Keep Your Trees Healthy

By Falon Mihalic

Ensure your trees’ vigor for years to come with these tips for protecting roots, watering effectively and more

MODERN ARCHITECTURE Visit a California Hillside House Rooted in Nature

Walls of windows open to stunning mountain and bay views on one side and a serene pool courtyard on the other

ARCHITECTURE Roots of Style: See What Defines a Craftsman Home

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Charming features and intimate proportions have made Craftsman houses an American favorite. See their common details and variations

GARDENING GUIDES Tree Care: Common Tree Diseases and What to Do About Them

By Falon Mihalic

Learn to recognize trees that may be affected by diseases or pests so you can quickly take action

TREES Great Design Plant: Southern Live Oak Offers an Unbeatable Canopy

By Falon Mihalic

Keep it dense or prune it for more light. No matter how you grow Quercus virginiana, it’s a majestic addition to its native landscape

LANDSCAPE DESIGN The Unparalleled Power of Trees

By Donald Pell - Gardens

Discover the beauty and magic of trees, and why a landscape without them just isn't the same

TREES How to Protect Your Trees When You’re Remodeling or Building

By Falon Mihalic

Will your home be undergoing construction this year? Be sure to safeguard your landscape’s valuable trees

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Pretty Trees for Patios, Paths and Other Tight Spots

Choose trees for their size, shape and rate of growth — or shape them to fit your space. Here's how to get started

Sponsored

NME Builders LLC

2 Reviews

Industry Leading General Contractors in Franklin County, OH

More Discussions

Huge black maple in Michigan

4

Our oak tree seems to be slowly dying, what can we do?

9

Is it normal for new trees to have 8"of solid clay in the root ball?

6

Juniper virginians problem

6

I think I have Wooly Oak Gall, Callirhytis furva?

5