When you cut a tree down and remove the stump, you probably think that tree is gone for good. After a few days or weeks, though, you discover stray roots peeking out at you from the soil. Now you’re wondering, “Do roots still grow when a tree is cut down? Will I ever be able to plant that flowerbed or lawn where the tree once was?”
Allow Meadows Tree Service, Foster’s skilled tree service specialist, to explain everything you need to know about root growth after cutting a tree down.
Do Roots Still Grow When a Tree Is Cut Down?
When you cut a tree down, the roots remain, even when you remove the stump by grinding it down. Simply killing and removing the tree isn’t enough to get rid of the roots.
The root system is still very much alive when the tree goes down. That can make it tough for other things to grow because tree roots are hungry, and they’ll suck up all moisture and nutrients in the soil. If the roots remain, they can even grow large enough to become tripping hazards.
Roots Can Cause New Growth
Depending on the species of your tree, roots may cause new growth. Stumps can trigger new growth as well. Roots are capable of growing new sprouts if given enough time, water, and eventually, sunlight.
There are only a few species of trees that can regrow in the same place from just the roots. These include:
- Ficus
- Elms
- Tree of Heaven
- Willows
- Olive trees
- Cottonwoods
How To Eliminate Root Growth After Removing a Tree
If you are concerned about your tree roots causing trouble, there are a few ways you can ensure they don’t bounce back:
- Cut all growing sprouts: When you spot sprouts, cut them down to prevent a new tree from establishing itself in the area.
- Remove the roots: To prevent a tree from growing again, consider removing the roots completely from the soil. It’s possible to remove the roots by hand, but it’s back-breaking work, so you’re better off calling a pro.
- Kill roots with herbicide: If you want to ensure that roots don’t come back, chemical options will get the job done. Keep in mind that herbicides kill everything they touch, though, so apply strategically.
Call Meadows Tree Service for Help With Stubborn Roots
Do roots still grow when a tree is cut down? Yes, and those roots can cause big trouble if not promptly addressed. If you’re having root regeneration problems, reach out to Meadows Tree Service. We serve not just Foster, TX, but also other cities in the area wherever families need tree services. Our specialties include:
- Tree removal
- Stump grinding
- Root removal
- Tree transplanting
If you need tree services, whether it’s to remove a hollow tree trunk or to chop down a dead tree, you can depend on Meadows Tree Service. To reach out to us about an appointment, call us at 832-692-4931.
