What Happens To The Roots After My Tree Is Cut Down?

Do you ever wonder what happens to the roots after a tree is cut down? Do they decay or can a new tree sprout from the ground? Here’s the answer to the fascinating underground life of your favorite post-tree root structure.

A reminder about the importance of roots
A tree cannot survive without a healthy root system. The roots keep the tree standing upright, and they deliver essential (1) minerals, (2) water, and (3) oxygen to the tree. The roots grow into the soil and expand into an area that is far larger than the diameter of the tree itself.

Can the roots survive the loss of the tree?
The answer to the question of whether the roots can survive after the rest of the tree is cut down depends on the species of the tree. Generally, the roots starve to death once the tree is gone because they receive all of their food from the leaves.

However, some roots continue to generate new life even after the tree removal. Examples of trees roots that will keep going post-tree are (1) Siberian elm, (2) tree of heaven, (3) Russian olive. The sprouts from one of these types of trees might even grow into a new tree if the soil and weather conditions favor growth.

Along with the sprouting roots, some tree stumps can regrow. Additionally, roots often sprout around the stump. So, that old elm tree in your backyard might not be done growing after you had it cut down.

What to do if you don’t want the roots to sprout
Aggressively growing roots will continue to sprout unless you take steps to stop the growth. Some gardeners find it relaxing to take out the sprouts by (1) pulling them out by hand (2) mowing over the area and, (3) clipping the shoots. You might also consider applying a hardy mulch cover on top of the root area so that potential sprouts don’t get a chance to get started.

Talk to tree care professional
If you’re dealing with unwanted tree sprouts in your yard, we recommend that you talk with a professional tree care specialist about how to eliminate the problem. A residential stump removal service, for instance, can show you how stump grinding, and stump removal methods can effectively end your sprouting issues.

The stump pros at Buffalo Stump Removal have years of experience dealing with the remnants of a former tree. Contact us today for details about our sensible approach to tree stump removal.
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