Shovel for Roots: Best Tools to Cut Invading Tree Roots (Expert Tips)
Have you ever battled the relentless spread of tree roots invading your garden, choking your flowerbeds, or even threatening your home’s foundation? It’s a common problem, and the right tools, especially the often-overlooked shovel, can be your secret weapon. As someone who’s spent years felling trees, processing timber, and preparing firewood, I’ve learned a thing or two about dealing with roots. This guide will walk you through the best tools and techniques for cutting invading tree roots, transforming a frustrating chore into a manageable task.
Understanding the Root of the Problem: Why Do We Need to Cut Roots?
Before we dive into the tools, let’s understand why we need to cut roots in the first place. Invasive tree roots can cause a myriad of problems:
- Damage to Infrastructure: Roots can crack sidewalks, driveways, and even foundations as they grow in search of water and nutrients.
- Competition for Resources: They steal water and nutrients from your garden plants, leading to stunted growth and poor yields.
- Clogging Drains and Pipes: Roots can infiltrate underground pipes, causing blockages and potentially expensive repairs.
- Aesthetic Issues: Unsightly roots can disrupt the beauty of your lawn and garden.
My own experience battling a particularly aggressive silver maple near my property taught me the importance of proactive root management. Its roots were not only lifting my patio stones but also creeping towards my septic system. That’s when I realized the need for a strategic approach and the right tools.
Key Concepts: Green Wood vs. Seasoned Wood (And Everything in Between)
Although this guide focuses on roots, understanding wood properties is crucial in the broader context of tree work. Let’s clarify a few key terms:
- Green Wood: Freshly cut wood with a high moisture content (often 50% or higher). It’s heavier, more pliable, and easier to split manually (especially softer woods like pine or fir). However, it’s also more prone to rot and fungal growth.
- Seasoned Wood: Wood that has been dried to a lower moisture content (typically below 20%). It’s lighter, more stable, and burns more efficiently. Seasoning takes time, typically 6-12 months depending on the wood species, climate, and stacking method.
- Partially Seasoned Wood: Wood that’s somewhere in between. It’s started to dry but hasn’t reached its optimal moisture content.
Understanding these differences is crucial when deciding how to process wood after cutting the roots. For example, if you plan to use the removed tree for firewood, you’ll need to season it properly.
The Arsenal: Essential Tools for Root Removal
Now, let’s get to the tools. While a shovel is the star of this show, a complete arsenal will make the job easier and more efficient.
1. The Root Shovel: Your Primary Weapon
This isn’t your average garden shovel. A root shovel is designed with a narrow, pointed blade made of hardened steel. This shape allows you to penetrate the soil easily and cut through roots with precision.
- Specifications: Look for a shovel with a blade length of 12-14 inches and a blade width of 5-7 inches. A D-handle provides better control and leverage.
- Benefits: Its narrow profile allows you to work in tight spaces, minimizing damage to surrounding plants. The pointed blade concentrates force, making it easier to cut through even thick roots.
- My Experience: I’ve found that a fiberglass handle is more durable than a wooden handle, especially when dealing with tough roots.
2. The Saw: For the Big Boys (and Girls)
For larger roots (over 2 inches in diameter), a saw is essential. Several options are available:
- Hand Saw (Pruning Saw or Bow Saw): Ideal for smaller roots and tight spaces. A pruning saw with hardened teeth will make quick work of most roots.
- Reciprocating Saw (Sawzall): A versatile power tool with a long blade that can cut through thick roots quickly. Use a demolition blade designed for wood and metal.
- Chainsaw: For the really big roots, or if you’re removing a whole tree, a chainsaw is the most efficient option.
- Specifications: If you’re already familiar with chainsaws, choose one with a 16-18 inch bar. If you’re new to chainsaws, start with a smaller, lighter model (14-16 inch bar).
- Safety First: Always wear appropriate safety gear when using a chainsaw, including eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and chaps.
- My Insight: When using a chainsaw near the ground, be extra careful to avoid hitting rocks or dirt, which can dull the chain quickly. Consider using an old chain specifically for this task.
3. The Axe: For Splitting and Chopping
While not strictly for cutting roots in the ground, an axe is invaluable for processing the removed root mass.
- Splitting Axe: Designed for splitting logs and thick roots along the grain. A heavier axe head (6-8 pounds) provides more power.
- Felling Axe: Designed for chopping across the grain. A lighter axe head (3-4 pounds) is easier to swing.
- My Preference: I prefer a splitting axe for processing roots, as they often split more easily than they chop.
4. The Loppers: For Precision Cuts
Loppers are essentially long-handled pruning shears, ideal for cutting smaller roots and branches.
- Specifications: Look for loppers with a bypass blade (where the blades pass each other) for clean, precise cuts.
- Benefits: They provide more leverage than hand pruners, allowing you to cut through thicker branches with less effort.
5. The Pickaxe: For Breaking Ground
In hard, compacted soil, a pickaxe can be invaluable for breaking up the ground around the roots, making it easier to access them.
- Benefits: The pointed end is ideal for breaking up hard soil, while the flat end can be used for digging and prying.
6. The Root Barrier: Prevention is Better Than Cure
A root barrier is a physical barrier that you install in the ground to prevent roots from spreading.
- Types: Available in various materials, including plastic, metal, and fabric.
- Installation: Dig a trench around the area you want to protect and install the barrier.
- My Recommendation: For long-term protection, invest in a high-quality root barrier made of durable material.
7. The Protective Gear: Safety First!
No matter what tools you’re using, safety should always be your top priority.
- Gloves: Protect your hands from cuts and abrasions.
- Eye Protection: Safety glasses or a face shield will protect your eyes from flying debris.
- Hearing Protection: Earplugs or earmuffs are essential when using power tools.
- Steel-Toed Boots: Protect your feet from injury.
- Long Pants and Sleeves: Protect your skin from scratches and cuts.
Step-by-Step Guide: Cutting Invading Tree Roots
Now that we’ve covered the tools, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Here’s a step-by-step guide to cutting invading tree roots:
Step 1: Assess the Situation
Before you start digging, take a look at the situation.
- Identify the Tree: Determine which tree is causing the problem. This will help you understand the root system and potential challenges.
- Locate the Roots: Carefully examine the area to identify the location and size of the invading roots.
- Plan Your Attack: Decide which tools you’ll need and how you’ll approach the task.
Step 2: Dig Around the Roots
Using your root shovel or pickaxe, carefully dig around the roots.
- Start Wide: Begin by digging a wide circle around the root, gradually working your way closer.
- Be Gentle: Avoid damaging surrounding plants or structures.
- Expose the Root: Dig deep enough to expose the entire root.
Step 3: Cut the Roots
Once you’ve exposed the root, it’s time to cut it.
- Small Roots (Less Than 1 Inch): Use your root shovel or loppers to cut through the root.
- Medium Roots (1-2 Inches): Use a pruning saw or reciprocating saw.
- Large Roots (Over 2 Inches): Use a chainsaw.
- Important Note: When cutting large roots, be aware of the potential for the tree to fall. If you’re unsure about how to proceed safely, consult with a professional arborist.
- Make Clean Cuts: Ensure the cuts are clean and smooth to promote healing.
Step 4: Remove the Root Section
After cutting the root, remove the section that’s causing the problem.
- Pull and Wiggle: Gently pull and wiggle the root section to loosen it from the soil.
- Use Leverage: If necessary, use a pry bar or shovel to help dislodge the root.
Step 5: Treat the Cut End
Treating the cut end of the root can help prevent disease and encourage healing.
- Rooting Hormone: Apply rooting hormone to the cut end to stimulate new root growth in the remaining tree.
- Sealant: Apply a tree sealant to protect the cut end from disease and insects.
Step 6: Backfill the Hole
Fill the hole with soil and tamp it down firmly.
- Use Good Quality Soil: Use topsoil or compost to provide nutrients for surrounding plants.
- Water Thoroughly: Water the area to help settle the soil.
Step 7: Install a Root Barrier (Optional)
If you want to prevent future root invasions, install a root barrier.
- Dig a Trench: Dig a trench around the area you want to protect.
- Install the Barrier: Place the root barrier in the trench, ensuring it extends above the ground.
- Backfill the Trench: Fill the trench with soil and tamp it down firmly.
Case Study: Taming the Silver Maple
Remember my battle with the silver maple? Here’s how I applied these techniques:
- Assessment: I identified the silver maple as the culprit and mapped out the invading roots.
- Digging: Using a combination of a pickaxe and a root shovel, I carefully exposed the roots near my patio. The soil was compacted clay, so the pickaxe was essential.
- Cutting: For the smaller roots, I used loppers. For the larger ones (some were almost 4 inches!), I carefully used a reciprocating saw with a demolition blade. I was very cautious near my patio stones.
- Removal: Pulling out the severed sections was tough. I used a pry bar to help leverage them out of the ground.
- Treatment: I applied a tree sealant to the cut ends to minimize the risk of infection.
- Backfilling: I filled the holes with a mixture of topsoil and compost.
- Root Barrier: I installed a heavy-duty plastic root barrier along the edge of my patio to prevent future invasions.
The result? My patio is now safe from further root damage, and my septic system is no longer threatened. It was hard work, but the right tools and techniques made all the difference.
Strategic Insights: Long-Term Root Management
Cutting roots is often a temporary solution. Here are some strategic insights for long-term root management:
- Choose the Right Trees: When planting new trees, consider their root systems. Avoid planting aggressive rooters near structures or gardens.
- Water Wisely: Water deeply and less frequently to encourage roots to grow deeper into the soil, away from the surface.
- Fertilize Properly: Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can stimulate root growth.
- Prune Regularly: Pruning the tree canopy can help reduce root growth.
- Consider Root Pruning: Regularly prune the roots of trees near structures to prevent them from becoming invasive. This is best done by a professional arborist.
- Use Herbicides (With Caution): In some cases, herbicides can be used to kill roots. However, this should only be done as a last resort and with extreme caution, as herbicides can harm surrounding plants and the environment. Consult with a professional before using herbicides.
Wood Processing and Firewood Preparation: What to Do with the Roots?
Once you’ve removed the roots, what do you do with them? Here are a few options:
- Composting: Small roots can be composted. Chop them into smaller pieces and mix them with other organic materials.
- Firewood: Larger roots can be used as firewood, but they can be difficult to split and dry.
- Woodworking: Some types of roots have interesting grain patterns and can be used for woodworking projects.
- Disposal: If you can’t use the roots, you can dispose of them at a local landfill or yard waste facility.
If you choose to use the roots for firewood, remember the principles of seasoning wood. Split the roots into smaller pieces and stack them in a well-ventilated area. It will take longer for roots to dry than regular logs due to their irregular shape and density.
Technical Details: Costs, Materials, and Timing
Here’s a breakdown of the costs, materials, and timing involved in cutting invading tree roots:
- Tools:
- Root Shovel: \$30-\$50
- Pruning Saw: \$20-\$40
- Reciprocating Saw: \$100-\$200 (plus blade)
- Chainsaw: \$150-\$500 (plus safety gear)
- Axe: \$40-\$80
- Loppers: \$30-\$50
- Pickaxe: \$30-\$50
- Root Barrier: \$1-\$3 per foot
- Materials:
- Topsoil/Compost: \$5-\$10 per bag
- Rooting Hormone: \$10-\$20
- Tree Sealant: \$10-\$20
- Timing:
- Small Root Removal: 1-2 hours
- Large Root Removal: 4-8 hours
- Root Barrier Installation: 2-4 hours
These are just estimates, and the actual costs and timing will vary depending on the size and complexity of the job.
Skill Levels Required
- Beginner: Small root removal, using a root shovel or loppers.
- Intermediate: Medium root removal, using a pruning saw or reciprocating saw.
- Advanced: Large root removal, using a chainsaw. Root barrier installation.
If you’re not comfortable using power tools, it’s best to hire a professional arborist.
Challenges Faced by Global DIYers and Small-Scale Logging Businesses
DIYers and small-scale logging businesses around the world face unique challenges when dealing with tree roots:
- Access to Tools: In some regions, access to high-quality tools may be limited or expensive.
- Soil Conditions: Different soil types (clay, sand, rocky) can make root removal more difficult.
- Climate: Extreme weather conditions (heat, cold, drought) can affect root growth and make them more difficult to cut.
- Regulations: Local regulations may restrict tree removal or root pruning.
- Safety: Safety training and equipment may not be readily available.
To overcome these challenges, DIYers and small-scale logging businesses should:
- Invest in Quality Tools: Even if they’re more expensive, high-quality tools will last longer and perform better.
- Adapt to Local Conditions: Learn about the specific soil types and climate in their region and adjust their techniques accordingly.
- Comply with Regulations: Understand and comply with all local regulations regarding tree removal and root pruning.
- Prioritize Safety: Invest in safety training and equipment and always follow safe work practices.
Next Steps: Putting Knowledge into Action
Now that you’ve read this guide, you’re ready to tackle those invading tree roots. Here’s what I recommend as your next steps:
- Assess Your Situation: Identify the problem trees and the location of the invading roots.
- Gather Your Tools: Assemble the necessary tools and safety gear.
- Start Digging: Carefully dig around the roots and expose them.
- Cut and Remove: Cut the roots using the appropriate tools and remove the sections that are causing the problem.
- Treat and Backfill: Treat the cut ends of the roots and backfill the holes with soil.
- Consider a Root Barrier: Install a root barrier to prevent future invasions.
Remember, safety should always be your top priority. If you’re not comfortable with any of these steps, hire a professional arborist.
Dealing with invading tree roots can be a challenging task, but with the right tools, techniques, and knowledge, you can conquer this problem and protect your property. Good luck, and happy root hunting!
