Cut Tree Roots Cleanly (5 Pro Tips For Efficient Removal)

Isn’t it frustrating when you’re trying to clear land or remove an old tree stump, only to be met with a gnarly network of roots that seem impossible to cut cleanly? I’ve been there, wrestling with chainsaws that buck and bind, leaving behind splintered, uneven cuts. It’s not only time-consuming and exhausting but also potentially dangerous. Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to tackle this problem efficiently and safely. So, let’s get down to business and discuss how to cut tree roots cleanly.

Understanding the Challenge: Why Cutting Tree Roots is Tough

Before diving into the “how,” it’s crucial to understand the “why.” Tree roots aren’t like cutting through a log. They’re often buried in dirt, which dulls your chain almost instantly. They can be under tension, ready to pinch your saw. And, let’s be honest, they’re just plain awkward to get to.

Wood Anatomy and Properties: The Root of the Problem

The wood itself plays a big role. Roots, especially those closer to the trunk, are often denser and more fibrous than the upper parts of the tree. This is because they need to withstand significant pressure and movement. Think of it like this: the trunk is designed to reach for the sky, while the roots are designed to anchor the tree against wind and soil erosion.

Also, consider the species. Hardwoods like oak and maple have significantly denser root systems than softwoods like pine or fir. This difference in density affects the cutting process, requiring more power and potentially different techniques.

The Hidden Dangers: What You Can’t See

Beyond the wood itself, there are hidden dangers lurking beneath the surface. Rocks, nails, old fencing – anything could be buried in the soil around the roots. Hitting one of these with your chainsaw can be catastrophic, damaging your chain and potentially causing kickback.

Pro Tip 1: Preparation is Key

The most important step in cutting tree roots cleanly is proper preparation. This means taking the time to assess the situation, gather the right tools, and protect yourself.

Assessing the Root System: A Visual Inspection

Start by carefully excavating around the roots you plan to cut. Use a shovel, pickaxe, or even a garden hose to expose as much of the root as possible. This allows you to:

Identify the size and direction of the roots: This helps you plan your cuts and avoid hitting unexpected obstacles.
Check for buried objects: As mentioned earlier, hidden dangers lurk beneath the surface.
Determine the tension in the roots: Look for signs of bending or stretching, which indicate that the root is under tension and could pinch your saw.

Gear Up: Safety First

Before you even think about starting your chainsaw, make sure you have the right safety gear:

Chainsaw chaps: These are essential for protecting your legs from accidental cuts.
Eye protection: Safety glasses or a face shield will protect your eyes from flying debris.
Hearing protection: Chainsaws are loud. Earplugs or earmuffs will prevent hearing damage.
Gloves: Sturdy work gloves will improve your grip and protect your hands from splinters.
Steel-toed boots: These will protect your feet from dropped objects and accidental cuts.
A helmet: This will protect your head from falling branches or other hazards.

I can’t stress enough how important safety gear is. I’ve seen firsthand the devastating consequences of not taking proper precautions. A friend of mine, a seasoned logger, once skipped wearing his chaps for a “quick cut” and ended up with a serious leg injury. It’s just not worth the risk.

Tool Selection: Choosing the Right Weapon

The right tool for the job can make all the difference. While a chainsaw is the primary tool for cutting tree roots, there are other tools that can be helpful:

Shovel: For excavating around the roots.
Pickaxe: For breaking up hard soil and dislodging rocks.
Garden hose: For washing away dirt and debris.
Loppers or pruning saw: For cutting smaller roots or branches.
Axe or hatchet: For splitting wood or removing stubborn roots.
Chain saw: For cutting larger roots.
Metal detector: This can be useful for locating buried metal objects before you start cutting.

Pro Tip 2: Chainsaw Mastery

Let’s talk chainsaws. Not all chainsaws are created equal, and choosing the right one for the job is crucial.

Chainsaw Selection: Size Matters

For cutting tree roots, I recommend using a chainsaw with a bar length of at least 16 inches. This will give you enough reach to cut through larger roots without having to overextend yourself.

The power of the chainsaw is also important. A chainsaw with a larger engine will be able to cut through denser wood more easily. For hardwoods like oak and maple, I recommend using a chainsaw with an engine size of at least 50cc.

Chainsaw Maintenance: A Sharp Chain is a Safe Chain

A dull chain is not only inefficient but also dangerous. It requires more force to cut, which increases the risk of kickback. A sharp chain, on the other hand, glides through the wood with ease, making the job safer and more efficient.

Here are a few tips for keeping your chain sharp:

Sharpen your chain regularly: How often you need to sharpen your chain depends on the type of wood you’re cutting and how often you’re using the chainsaw. As a general rule, I recommend sharpening your chain after every few hours of use.
Use a chainsaw file: A chainsaw file is a specialized tool for sharpening chainsaw chains. There are many different types of chainsaw files available, so be sure to choose one that is compatible with your chain.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions: When sharpening your chain, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. This will help you avoid damaging the chain.

I once neglected to sharpen my chain before tackling a particularly stubborn oak root. The saw bucked and jumped, and I ended up with a nasty gash on my arm. It was a painful reminder that a sharp chain is a safe chain.

Cutting Techniques: Avoiding Kickback

Kickback is one of the most common causes of chainsaw injuries. It occurs when the tip of the chainsaw bar catches on something, causing the saw to suddenly kick back towards the operator.

Here are a few tips for avoiding kickback:

Always use a chainsaw with a chain brake: A chain brake is a safety device that stops the chain from rotating if the saw kicks back.
Keep the tip of the bar away from objects: Be especially careful when cutting near the ground or around other objects.
Use a low-kickback chain: Low-kickback chains are designed to reduce the risk of kickback.
Maintain a firm grip on the saw: A firm grip will help you control the saw if it kicks back.
Stand to the side of the cut: This will help you avoid being hit by the saw if it kicks back.

Pro Tip 3: The Art of the Cut

Now, let’s talk about the actual cutting process. This is where technique and experience come into play.

Relieving Tension: The Undercut

Before making a complete cut through a root, it’s important to relieve any tension that may be present. This will prevent the root from pinching your saw and causing kickback.

The best way to relieve tension is to make an undercut on the opposite side of the root from where you plan to make the final cut. The undercut should be about one-third of the way through the root.

Plunge Cutting: A Skillful Maneuver

Plunge cutting is a technique where you insert the tip of the chainsaw bar directly into the wood. This can be useful for cutting roots that are difficult to access from the side.

However, plunge cutting is also one of the most dangerous chainsaw techniques. It requires a great deal of skill and control to avoid kickback. I would not recommend plunge cutting unless you are an experienced chainsaw user.

The Step-Cut Method: For Larger Roots

For larger roots, I recommend using the step-cut method. This involves making a series of overlapping cuts, each one slightly deeper than the last. This allows you to gradually remove the root without putting too much stress on the chainsaw.

Feathering the Cut: For a Smooth Finish

Once you’ve cut through the root, you can use the tip of the chainsaw bar to feather the cut and create a smooth finish. This is especially important if you’re planning to replant the area.

Pro Tip 4: Dealing with Dirt and Debris

As I mentioned earlier, dirt and debris can quickly dull your chainsaw chain. Here are a few tips for dealing with this problem:

Cleaning the Roots: Before You Cut

Before you start cutting, take the time to clean the roots as much as possible. Use a shovel, pickaxe, or garden hose to remove any dirt, rocks, or other debris that may be clinging to the roots.

Chain Maintenance: More Frequent Sharpening

If you’re cutting in particularly dirty conditions, you may need to sharpen your chain more frequently. I recommend checking the sharpness of your chain after every few cuts and sharpening it as needed.

Bar Oil: Keeping Things Cool

Proper lubrication is essential for keeping your chainsaw running smoothly. Be sure to check the bar oil level frequently and refill it as needed. I recommend using a high-quality bar oil that is specifically designed for chainsaws.

The “Rock Trick”: When All Else Fails

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you’ll inevitably hit a rock or other hard object. When this happens, stop cutting immediately and inspect your chain for damage. If the chain is damaged, you’ll need to replace it.

If the chain is not damaged, you can try using the “rock trick.” This involves using a file to remove any burrs or sharp edges from the chain. This will help to restore the chain’s cutting ability.

Pro Tip 5: Post-Cut Care and Considerations

Once you’ve successfully cut the tree roots, there are a few things you need to do to ensure the area is safe and ready for replanting or other uses.

Stump Removal: The Next Step

Cutting the roots is often just the first step in removing a tree stump. Depending on your needs, you may also need to remove the stump itself. There are several ways to remove a tree stump, including:

Grinding: This involves using a stump grinder to grind the stump down to below ground level.
Digging: This involves digging around the stump and removing it with an axe or shovel.
Burning: This involves burning the stump down to the ground. (Check local regulations before burning!)
Chemical removal: This involves using chemicals to rot the stump.

Backfilling and Soil Preparation: Getting Ready to Plant

After removing the stump (or just the roots), you’ll need to backfill the hole with soil. Be sure to use good quality topsoil that is free of rocks and debris.

If you’re planning to replant the area, you may also need to amend the soil with compost or other organic matter. This will help to improve the soil’s fertility and drainage.

Root Barriers: Preventing Future Problems

If you’re planting new trees near existing structures, you may want to consider installing root barriers. Root barriers are physical barriers that prevent tree roots from growing in unwanted directions. They can be used to protect foundations, sidewalks, and other structures from damage.

Case Study: My Own Root Removal Project

I once had to remove a large oak tree from my backyard. The tree had died, and I was worried about it falling on my house. The roots were extensive, and I knew it would be a challenging project.

I started by carefully excavating around the roots. I used a shovel, pickaxe, and garden hose to expose as much of the root system as possible. I was surprised by how large and dense the roots were.

I then used my chainsaw to cut the roots. I used the step-cut method for the larger roots and the undercut technique to relieve tension. It was slow and painstaking work, but I eventually managed to cut all of the roots.

Once the roots were cut, I used a stump grinder to grind the stump down to below ground level. I then backfilled the hole with soil and planted a new tree in its place.

The project took several days to complete, but it was well worth the effort. I was able to remove the dead tree and replace it with a healthy new one.

Data Points and Statistics

Chainsaw injuries: According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, chainsaws cause approximately 36,000 injuries each year in the United States.
Kickback: Kickback is the most common cause of chainsaw injuries.
Root barriers: Root barriers can prevent up to 95% of root intrusion.
Stump removal costs: The cost of stump removal can vary depending on the size of the stump and the method used. Stump grinding typically costs between \$2 and \$5 per diameter inch.

Conclusion: A Clean Cut is a Safe Cut

Cutting tree roots cleanly is a challenging but rewarding task. By following these pro tips, you can improve your efficiency, reduce your risk of injury, and achieve professional-looking results. Remember, preparation is key, chainsaw mastery is essential, and post-cut care is crucial.

So, grab your chainsaw, put on your safety gear, and get to work! You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish. And remember, a clean cut is a safe cut. Good luck!