Easiest way to cut roots from neighbors trees?

[alkemyst]

Easier said than done and I guarantee you that you'd end up treating your shovel like an ax before it gets anywhere near that far.

The problem is digging around something you can't see all of with underground obstructions which block your shovel nearly anyplace you think you can push it under to dig around.

I understand what is involved, I have removed trees/stumps/root systems this way. The largest required me digging about 6' deep and about 12' wide to remove the full root ball.

It's not easy work, but if it's beyond you, you should hire a pro.

 

[CZroe]

I understand what is involved, I have removed trees/stumps/root systems this way. The largest required me digging about 6' deep and about 12' wide to remove the full root ball.

It's not easy work, but if it's beyond you, you should hire a pro.

Or use the right tool (reciprocating saw).

 

[alkemyst]

Or use the right tool (reciprocating saw).

A reciprocating saw is not the proper tool to remove stumps nor root systems unless small.

 

[CZroe]

A reciprocating saw is not the proper tool to remove stumps nor root systems unless small.

Removal is not the goal. Killing it is. You cut the root from the tree. The trunk is in the neighbor's yard and is not what the thread was talking about.

 

[BoomerD]

My neighbors have an apricot tree that has grown roots into my yard and pop up "saplings" in my redwood bed. I've considered trying to dig out the roots that are causing the problem...but it's too much work, (the redwoods have filled the bed with roots of their own) so I just whack the starters off at the ground level. They keep coming back every year though.

 

[torpid]

Removal is not the goal. Killing it is. You cut the root from the tree. The trunk is in the neighbor's yard and is not what the thread was talking about.

If you intentionally kill a neighbor's tree then be prepared for the shitstorm of lawsuits that will follow.

 

[alkemyst]

If you intentionally kill a neighbor's tree then be prepared for the shitstorm of lawsuits that will follow.

QFT that poster is a moron to think this is about killing their neighbor's tree.

 

[silverpig]

Easier said than done and I guarantee you that you'd end up treating your shovel like an ax before it gets anywhere near that far.

The problem is digging around something you can't see all of with underground obstructions which block your shovel nearly anyplace you think you can push it under to dig around.

This. It isn't just a single root. There's a huge spiderweb network of them. I have done this before and you essentially just dig with your axe. It's not a fun job and makes a huge mess.

 

[DrPizza]

QFT that poster is a moron to think this is about killing their neighbor's tree.

It depends on the type of tree, but for many species, removing some significant roots can have a serious impact on the tree. He doesn't *want* to kill his neighbor's tree, but needs to understand that it's a risk that he's taking.

That why, as I said earlier, TALK to the neighbor about the problem.

edit: and speaking of correct tools, you'd have to be an idiot to think that a shovel is the correct tool to remove a root ball, when it requires a 12 foot wide hole that's 6 feet deep.

 

[chusteczka]

Honestly guys, the original post did not clearly differentiate between removing the tree roots and the saplings growing from tree shoots. He mentioned both cutting roots and mowing over the saplings. Thus confusing our understanding of his situation.

Tree Roots being standard roots under the tree for nourishment.

Tree Shoots being a root system feeder network from which little saplings grow, that extend radially from the original tree up to 10 meters away for reproductive purposes. Tree shoots can be like weeds.


Here is a pic of a tree shoot sapling of the type that I am familiar with.
http://gardening.stackexchange.com/...to-prevent-tree-shoots-from-coming-up-in-lawn

 

[CZroe]

QFT that poster is a moron to think this is about killing their neighbor's tree.

Jesus. I never said "killing the tree is the goal." Do I need to spell it out? Fine:

"Removal [of the root] is not the goal. Killing [the root] is. You cut the [offending] root from the tree. The trunk is in the neighbor's yard and is not what the thread was talking about."

Why the hell you ever started talking about entire root systems and trunks/stumps in the neighbor's yard is beyond me. Trees have many roots and the OP wants to remove the ones causing a problem in his yard. The offending root/roots are not the taproot nor are they the entire root system. There is no "stump" to remove. He can probably kill as many as he wants without killing the tree.

I love it when people call other people a "moron" for something they themselves misinterpreted.

 

[torpid]

I am unclear on your usage of the word "kill"

 

[Meghan54]

edit: and speaking of correct tools, you'd have to be an idiot to think that a shovel is the correct tool to remove a root ball, when it requires a 12 foot wide hole that's 6 feet deep.

Just consider the source and you have your answer.

 

[onza]

Drill holes and put roundup in the trunk system.

EZ

 

[DrPizza]

For what it's worth, after a little extra googling time, many species will tolerate a couple of their main roots being severed without too much decline, IF you give the trees extra water for a year or so while they generate more roots. Again - you need to know the species of tree & will likely need to talk to your neighbor about your plans.

 

[Wreckem]

Found this... seems even more relevant.

Conversely the neighbor likely has the legal obligation to take care of the situation. Go to neighbor and demand they take care of it. If they don't, file a civil suit. Get a court order to cut the roots.

 

[spaceman]

put fill over them
no saw
no lawsuit
happy lawn
less work
derp

 

[spaceman]

Conversely the neighbor likely has the legal obligation to take care of the situation. Go to neighbor and demand they take care of it. If they don't, file a civil suit. Get a court order to cut the roots.

yes
alienate your neighbor
itll pay huge dividends down the road and make for a harmonious living situation

 

[alkemyst]

Just consider the source and you have your answer.

I could have rented a truck, but I didn't know at the time how large the system was. I did it over a few weekends while travelling...had I known I'd just hire some poor folks to come and handle it.

Also in Florida and how coastal I am, digging is very easy here. It's very sandy soil.

 

[JEDI]

It depends on the type of tree, but for many species, removing some significant roots can have a serious impact on the tree. He doesn't *want* to kill his neighbor's tree, but needs to understand that it's a risk that he's taking.

That why, as I said earlier, TALK to the neighbor about the problem.

edit: and speaking of correct tools, you'd have to be an idiot to think that a shovel is the correct tool to remove a root ball, when it requires a 12 foot wide hole that's 6 feet deep.

Neighbor's tree:

 

[alkemyst]

put fill over them
no saw
no lawsuit
happy lawn
less work
derp

Problem is some trees sprout up even if they are covered well.

 

[Iron Woode]

Neighbor's tree:

that looks a lot like Chinese Elm.

 

[Doppel]

Found this... seems even more relevant.

Even though he's only removing roots on his property? If my neighbor's tree is sending its roots not only on my property but it's coming up on the grass I should be able to chainsaw those things until my heart's content.

OP do this when neighbor isn't at home

 

[alkemyst]

The way the law usually works is you have a right to clear your property lines of other's trees. However; you cannot do this with the sole intention of killing their foliage.

If by clearing your property lines results in that thing dying, then you are not usually responsible.