Is grinding roots harmful to a tree?

[JTsyo]

I'm having 2 trees in my back yard cut and the stumps ground. The tree removal company offered to grind some roots of a tree that is not being removed but is sticking out of the grass while they have the machine there. Would this affect the tree? It would make mowing an easier task without having to avoid the roots.

 

[highland145]

Can't see that it would be good for it. You could just make the area around the drip line tree a bed. Less mowing, FTW.

 

[FeuerFrei]

The closer to the trunk + the fatter the root = the more likely the loss could noticeably affect the tree. It could kill some branches. Could render it more likely to tip in high wind, i.e. less stable.
The real need is fill dirt. If roots are protruding, a few inches of soil have been lost.

Might also want to ask yourself if it's a good point in the seasons to be hacking tree roots.

 

[JTsyo]

I have mulch around the tree in about a 6ft diameter. These are roots past that. Not sure why the roots are coming up. I'll let it be rather than risk the tree.

 

[highland145]

Not an arborist...but I did google trees once...new emotes suck

Anything in the drip line belongs to the tree. Increase your bed.

 

[turtile]

I have mulch around the tree in about a 6ft diameter. These are roots past that. Not sure why the roots are coming up. I'll let it be rather than risk the tree.

The roots are coming to the surface because of a lack of oxygen in the ground. This is usually due to compacted soil. The best fix is to get a real tree company that can use an air spade.

(and just a note because it's annoying to hear it all the time - The drip line has nothing to do with the roots. The roots go well beyond the drip line!)