When you cut down a tree, you expect it to be gone. It’s a big surprise when you notice new growth or root damage after you supposedly killed the tree. So, what happens to tree roots when a tree is cut down?
Just because you cut down a tree doesn’t mean it dies. If you have a relentless tree fighting you in your yard, call Top Tier Tree Specialist, your local certified tree specialist in Newberry, FL. We can help you get rid of your troublesome trees once and for all.
Continued Growth
Trees need leaves to grow, but sometimes they have enough energy left in them to keep growing even without foliage. What happens to tree roots when a tree is cut down will depend on the tree species.
Stump Regrowth
Some tree species, such as cottonwoods and willows, have adapted to grow new sprouts from the stumps. This adaptation is necessary for species wiped out after forest fires to live on after losing everything above ground, but this isn’t great for urban trees causing damage.
If you allow a tree to continue regrowing, it will eventually become another full-sized tree. You’ll need to continue removing new sprouts or call in the professionals to remove the stump and roots once and for all. It’s essential to safely remove tree debris after a storm to prevent further damage or regrowth.
Root Growth
While some species regrow from the stump, others can regrow from roots. This is great for nature, but bad news to homeowners who are trying to remove destructive trees from their property. Other tree species will keep growing until they run out of energy and won’t regrow any sprouts. Research your tree before you cut it down so you can know what to expect.
Decomposition
Ideally, a tree’s roots will start to decay after you cut it down. They may die long before they begin decomposing, so if you see a bunch of roots in the ground a few years after you cut down the tree, that doesn’t mean they’re still alive and well. If you choose to leave the roots in the ground, they will one day break down and return nutrients to the soil, but this will take a long time.
How To Get Rid of Lingering Roots
Getting rid of roots may require some effort on your part. You have the following options:
- Kill the roots with herbicides
- Remove the roots manually
- Remove sprouts as they pop up
Call Your Local Tree Specialist
Does pruning trees reduce root growth? What happens to tree roots when a tree is cut down? Trees will make you ask a lot of great questions, which is why you should turn to a certified arborist to handle all your tree-related questions and concerns.
Call Top Tier Tree Specialist at (352) 472-8733 when you have pesky roots and stumps you need to have removed. We proudly serve the Newberry, FL, area with tree trimming and removal, stump grinding, and any emergency services you may need to get rid of persistent roots.
