You’re digging in your yard in Yamhill and hit a thick tree root. It seems to be causing some damage, including lifting the driveway. Will cutting tree roots kill the tree?
This is an important question because, with root damage, the tree can lose water, drop limbs, or become unstable in a storm. Discover how root damage affects tree survival below.
For tree services in Yamhill, OR, just call Oregon Arborist at (503) 899-4166.
When Root Cutting Affects Tree Health
Is a tree root creeping toward your building’s foundation? While it seems like an easy fix to cut it away, serious root damage affects tree stability and more.
You don’t want to put long-term tree health at risk by cutting key roots. Besides cutting off the tree’s nutrient and water access, removing thick roots near the trunk takes away structural support. Over time, the tree may lean, drop big limbs, or topple.
How To Identify Safe Roots To Cut
Even though the task needs great care, you can safely cut roots that grow at least five times the trunk’s diameter away from the base. These roots are usually smaller than two inches thick and sit near the surface.
When roots cross into open lawn spaces or garden beds, selective pruning creates room for landscaping. Typically, cutting these small roots avoids serious root system disruption. It shouldn’t harm nearby trees, either.
How Much Root Cutting Is Too Much?
Will cutting roots kill the tree? It might. That’s why arborists agree that the root pruning volume should stay under 15 percent of the surface roots.
Professionals will space out these cuts because stressed and older trees respond slowly. A single round of aggressive pruning decreases the risk of tree survival, especially in compacted or low-moisture soil.
When To Cut Roots Safely
Winter and early spring pruning gives trees the best chance to recover after root cuts. During dormancy, trees seal wounds faster and lose less moisture.
Pruning in summer injures the tree while fighting heat and drought, so choosing the slow season protects the tree’s energy reserves. This timing improves healing and supports long-term tree health.
Watch for Signs of Trouble After Cutting
So, will cutting tree roots kill the tree? Yes, but first, major root damage will lead to yellowing leaves and dieback. You’ll likely notice leaf loss, thinning crowns, and weak limbs, which all reveal the growing stress inside of your tree.
If you want to stop the tree from reaching a point of failure, you have to stop the decline before it starts. An arborist can assess the situation and offer your tree a solution.
Need Help Managing Tree Roots in Yamhill?
You may not need to ask, “Will cutting tree roots kill the tree?” In our experience, the real risk to your trees often starts long before as surface roots sustain damage. Why not read our blog on how to stop tree roots from growing above ground and stop the problem before it starts?
Call Oregon Arborist at (503) 899-4166 today and request your free estimate for expert root care in Yamhill.