Tree roots don’t always stay hidden underground. Over time, they can push through the surface, create uneven ground, damage your mower, and make your lawn harder to maintain. Many homeowners assume the only solution is to start cutting roots with an axe or chainsaw. Unfortunately, that’s also one of the fastest ways to weaken or even kill a healthy tree.

As arborists, we’ve seen plenty of beautiful mature trees decline because someone removed the wrong roots. If you’re wondering how to remove tree roots from your lawn, the answer depends on whether the tree is still alive, how large the roots are, and how close they are to the trunk.

Here’s what every homeowner should know before grabbing a shovel.

Why Tree Roots Grow Into Your Lawn

Tree roots naturally grow where they can find oxygen, water, and nutrients. Contrary to popular belief, most tree roots aren’t deep underground. In fact, the majority of a tree’s root system is located within the top 12 to 18 inches of soil.

Several factors can make roots visible:

  • Soil erosion
  • Compacted ground
  • Heavy rainfall
  • Natural tree growth
  • Shallow-rooted tree species such as maples, silver maples, willows, and cottonwoods

In Southwest Missouri, clay soils and changing weather conditions often encourage roots to spread close to the surface rather than downward.

Should You Remove Tree Roots?

Not always. Tree roots are the foundation of the entire tree. They absorb water, store nutrients, and keep the tree stable during storms.

Removing roots simply because they’re visible can create much bigger problems than the roots themselves.

Before cutting anything, ask these questions:

  • Is the tree healthy?
  • Are the roots causing a tripping hazard?
  • Are they damaging sidewalks, driveways, or foundations?
  • Is the tree already scheduled for removal?

If the answer is no, there may be better solutions than cutting roots.

Safe Ways to Remove Tree Roots

1. Remove Small Surface Roots

Small roots less than one inch in diameter can often be removed with minimal risk if they’re located well away from the trunk.

Use a sharp pruning saw or loppers to make clean cuts instead of tearing the roots apart.

Avoid removing multiple roots from the same side of the tree.

2. Remove the Entire Tree First

If the tree is dead, diseased, or structurally unsafe, removing the tree before dealing with the roots is the safest option.

Once the tree has been removed, the remaining roots will gradually decay naturally, or they can be ground out if necessary.

Professional Tree Service in Springfield, MO providers can safely evaluate whether complete removal is the better long-term solution. Their certified arborists offer tree removal, pruning, stump grinding, plant health care, and emergency tree services throughout Springfield, Branson, and surrounding communities.

3. Grind Problematic Roots

If exposed roots remain after stump removal, stump grinders or specialised root grinders can eliminate them without extensive excavation.

This method is especially useful when preparing an area for new landscaping.

4. Improve the Lawn Instead

Sometimes the better answer isn’t removing roots at all.

Many homeowners choose to:

  • Add quality topsoil over shallow roots
  • Mulch around exposed root zones
  • Expand landscape beds beneath mature trees
  • Plant shade-tolerant ground cover

These options protect both the lawn and the tree.

What You Should Never Do

Some DIY methods can permanently damage healthy trees.

Avoid:

  • Cutting large structural roots
  • Using a chainsaw underground
  • Digging trenches close to the trunk
  • Removing more than 20–25% of the root system
  • Covering exposed roots with several inches of soil

These mistakes often lead to declining tree health, instability, fungal infections, or complete tree failure.

Can Tree Roots Grow Back?

Yes.

If the tree remains alive, many species will produce new feeder roots after older roots are cut.

However, repeatedly cutting roots often creates ongoing maintenance problems while stressing the tree.

If the tree has been completely removed, remaining roots usually decay over several years, depending on species, soil moisture, and root size.

When to Call an Arborist

Some root problems require professional evaluation.

Consider calling an arborist if:

  • Roots are lifting your driveway or sidewalk.
  • Large roots are exposed near the trunk.
  • The tree leans after root damage.
  • You’re planning construction near mature trees.
  • You’re unsure whether a root can be safely removed.

A certified arborist can identify which roots are essential for stability and recommend the safest solution.

Final Thoughts

Removing tree roots from your lawn isn’t simply a landscaping job. Every cut affects the health and stability of the tree above it. While small surface roots can sometimes be removed safely, larger structural roots should rarely be cut without professional guidance.

If your roots are creating safety hazards or damaging your property, it’s worth having them evaluated before making permanent cuts. The team at Monster Tree Service of Springfield and Branson has the experience, equipment, and certified arborists to diagnose root issues, preserve healthy trees whenever possible, and safely remove trees when necessary. Whether you need expert pruning, stump grinding, or complete tree removal, professional guidance can save both your lawn and your trees in the long run.

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