Root Pruning Services

Request an Estimate

Hero Request Form

Root Pruning Protects Your Property

Root pruning is used to prevent roots from growing under and lifting and cracking sidewalks, driveways, walkways, and foundations. It is also used at construction sites to protect the trees' roots from damage by crushing, ripping or compaction in unprotected site areas. Imagine you're ready to add a room or a deck to your house and your favorite tree is close by, or maybe you've finally decided to get the swimming pool you've always wanted, but your living hedge privacy screen is pretty close to the project. Any time there are trees in the vicinity of construction, there's a chance they'll be impacted by said project.

Keep Your Tree Roots Healthy

The main area of concern is often their roots. Unlike some imagine, the roots reach far past the dripline, sometimes twice the height of the tree or beyond. These roots gather water and nutrients, store energy as in the form of starch and produce hormones required by the tree. Perhaps the most important job of roots, as far as this topic is concerned, is to support the tree physically. They are the feet and legs of the tree. If the roots are cut too close to the trunk, the entire tree could topple, putting people and property in danger.

Although tree species plays a part in the type of root system a tree might have, the environment also has a heavy influence on this. Many people have heard the term "taproot" and imagine all trees have one. There are, however, relatively few tree species that actually put down a "taproot." These species include oaks, hickory, walnut, and the conifers. Stability wise, these trees are more tolerant to cutting, unless the taproot is damaged.

Understand Root Systems

The lateral root system is more common, where the roots form a mesh reaching out from the trunk in all directions, but only reaching down a couple of feet into the soil. Construction damage is a bigger concernl to these trees and they can become unstable and sick if their roots are crushed or if too much is cut.

An oblique root system has a mix of shallow roots, like the lateral system, and deep roots. These deep roots provide additional stability and may allow more root cutting without significant damage to the overall health of the tree. Of course, the obvious method to avoid tree damage is to alter the project, moving it away from the root system when possible. That's not always an option. When it cannot be avoided and root pruning is considered too risky for a particular tree, it might have to be removed.

Find the Proper Root Pruning Equipment

When it has been decided that a tree's root system needs to be cut, it is imperative that the appropriate equipment is used to make clean cuts that do not rip or tear the roots. Backhoes and excavators are built to dig, not cut. It would be like cutting lumber with a sledgehammer. Attempting to cut roots with this kind of heavy equipment can cause catastrophic damage to the root system and even trunk damage. Mid-Florida Tree Service, Inc can help by using chainsaws, purpose built root-pruning machines, specialized trenchers, and even good old-fashioned spade shovels to produce clean cuts, minimizing root trauma and promoting healthy re-growth.

Your Construction Project Partners

Before construction begins, a tree inventory, with major roots of each tree mapped, should be done. Overlaying this root map on the construction plans can help identify the areas of most concern so that a mitigation plan can be implemented early in the process. When your construction project has trees nearby, contact Mid-Florida Tree Service, Inc. to identify and, if needed, safely prune the roots to protect your trees now and your foundations and other concrete in the future.