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Easiest way to cut roots from neighbors trees?

JEDI

JEDI

Lifer
in my backyard are 3 rows of roots from my neighbors trees running about 20' in length.

where it enters my yard the roots are exposed.
this year little saplings are popping up all over my backyard. the mower takes care of them, but still...

i was thinking circular saw and slice. the problem is that circular saws have a 7" blade, of which only 1/2 that length is exposed. so basically i can only slice 3.5" deep.
i guess i can cut a 'V', take a small chunk of the root out then slice again at the deepest part of the V?

maybe use a saw zall/reciprical saw? but i need to dig out one side of the root so that the blade doesnt get bent by dirt.


Other easy/practical (ie: not nuke from above or burn the tree down) ways of severing the roots in my backyard?
 
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If you don't want to rent heavy metal, a shovel and a sharp axe will do the trick. Now if you could get your hands on some C4...
 
mmntech said:
If you don't want to rent heavy metal, a shovel and a sharp axe will do the trick. Now if you could get your hands on some C4...
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yeah, dont want to rent a trencher. seems overkill.

shovel + reciprical saw sounds easier than an axe
 
JEDI said:
yeah, dont want to rent a trencher. seems overkill.

shovel + reciprical saw sounds easier than an axe
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That's not easy. You would be suprised at the speed they grow back too, so you would have to do it two or three times per year.

Ditch witch the fence line. Pull surface roots out with a pickup truck, chain, lots of beer and a camera. Then say something like "Hey Bubba, watch this" when you pull the roots and post the video here.
 
Stump grinder. They are usually large circular metal wheels with flails attached to the edges. Will dig a path up to a foot or so deep and are relatively cheap to rent for a few hours up to a day.
 
Dig and then thermite. It's easy, it's fun, it's sparkley, and it's quick.



Recoupe parking ticket payments to the city of LA by taking their meter heads!
 
Rastus said:
That's not easy. You would be suprised at the speed they grow back too, so you would have to do it two or three times per year.

Ditch witch the fence line. Pull surface roots out with a pickup truck, chain, lots of beer and a camera. Then say something like "Hey Bubba, watch this" when you pull the roots and post the video here.
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what? what do you mean cut 2-3x per year?
how is using a ditch witch any different then if the roots grow back that quickly?


CZroe said:
Reciprocating or rotary saw.
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yup, and i think rotary/circular saw is the easiest. no need to dig w/shovel.
 
Rastus said:
That's not easy. You would be suprised at the speed they grow back too, so you would have to do it two or three times per year.

Ditch witch the fence line. Pull surface roots out with a pickup truck, chain, lots of beer and a camera. Then say something like "Hey Bubba, watch this" when you pull the roots and post the video here.
Click to expand...

Don't forget when the chain breaks and the shackle flies forward and smashes the rear window 😎
 
oldsmoboat said:
Pics of when the tree dies and falls on your house.
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Depending on the tree type, this could be a real concern. For a while willow trees were popular in northern California, but a few severe wind days and people discovered their shallow roots were a problem.
 
The one I listed only goes 13" deep which is plenty for tree roots. I've used a 36" one and it will definitely beat you up if you run one all day.
 
A tree taller than your three story house... but you can't identify the tree?

I'm not sure what state you're in, but before you touch those roots, you might want to see what you're legally allowed to do. If your actions kill the tree, you could be liable.

http://realestate.findlaw.com/neighbors/conflicts-involving-trees-and-neighbors.html

If my neighbor's tree branches hang over my yard, can I trim them?

Yes. By law, you have the right to trim branches and limbs that extend past the property line. However, the law only allows tree trimming and tree cutting up to the property line. You may not go onto the neighbor's property or destroy the tree. If you do harm the tree, you could be found liable for up to three times the value of the tree. Most trees have a replacement value of between $500 and $2500. Some, that are considered ornamental or landmark trees, can have an astonishing value of between $20,000 and $60,000. So use extreme caution when tree trimming!
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Just sayin'. Of course, it could be pretty funny around here when you start a thread next year, "my neighbor is suing me for $200,000 for 3 trees that I accidentally killed when I cut half their root system out."
 
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