How to treat tree roots in your garden

Tree roots in your garden can cause big problems, and can potentially cause damage to buildings, and they can be complicated and expensive to remove.

The presence of tree roots in your garden can cause many problems, some more serious than others. At best tree roots can cause lawns and plants and shrubs to stop growing as they each compete for the water and nutrients that are in the soil. In addition, they can undermine landscaping and damage plumbing, and most seriously they can cause damage to the foundations of your house and cause major structural issues.

Your tree or your neighbours

If the tree that is causing the problems is on your property, then legally the responsibility and cost of dealing with the root problem lies with you – although many trees are protected in this country, many with Tree Preservation Orders, and you should always consult with your local authority before undertaking any remedial work.

If the problem roots in your garden belong to a neighbour’s tree, then, if they were aware of the problem, they could be liable to pay for root removal or remedial work. It is always advisable to talk with your neighbours and come to an equitable solution in the first instance.

Dealing with tree roots

Depending on the type of tree and the size of the roots, and what damage they are causing will determine how you deal with tree roots in your garden. For a small tree with a relatively small root system, it could be tackled by the householder.

There are numerous ways you could deal with problem roots from stump grinding to chemical removal to manual removal, all would involve a high degree of technical know-how and could involve a lot of physical work. Because the work is very specialised you may well have to hire some specialised tools like a stump grinder to allow you to do the job.

Professional help

With a bigger root system, with larger diameter roots you may well would want to seek specialised professional help, especially if the roots are close to your house and are causing structural problems at which point you might consider full removal of a root system and not just removal of a tree stump. Prices can vary greatly depending on the size of the roots system, whether the tree in question is hard wood or soft as soft wood roots may be easier to remove. The location of the problem will also influence price plus the complexity of removal and how many hours will be needed to do the job. One thing people often neglect is the cost of removal which can be extremely expensive, and whether this is included in quotes should be clarified from the outset.

Whether you do the work yourself or hire a professional your first port of call should be with your local authority. And it is always advisable to seek recommendations and multiple detailed quotes before hiring a professional to go ahead with any work.