If you accidentally nicked a piece of wood while mowing, you may be considering what happens if you cut a tree root. As a trusted provider of tree service in Willow Creek, CA, 3 Dads Tree Services can nurse some plants back to health. Keep reading to discover what to do after severing a tree root.
The Important Purpose of Roots
Why are roots important to a tree? The large tendrils near the trunk stabilize the plant and keep it upright. They help it stand up in strong winds and severe weather.
The smaller tubers that branch out far into the yard give the tree its nutrients. They draw water and chemicals from the ground and deliver them up the trunk so photosynthesis can take place.
A plant needs healthy roots of both types to stay structurally sound and healthy. However, root damage doesn’t always condemn a pine or oak to death.
What Determines the Effects a Cut Tendril Has on a Tree?
Whether a tree experiences stability loss or hindered nutrient absorption after a severed root depends on various factors.
The Severity of the Damage
Damage can range from minor to major. The depth of the cut could have the following effects:
- Minor: Consider any damage to the hair-like tendrils at the edge of the root system minor damage. It shouldn’t have any growth impact because the tree may just develop new ones.
- Moderate: Damage to medium-sized roots may increase tree stress and instability. However, some species still recover with care.
- Severe: Removing large roots close to the trunk often leads to irreparable damage and significant loss of structural integrity.
The Age and Health of the Plant
What happens if you cut a tree root? A young and healthy tree has a better chance of recovering than an old or ailing one. They’re more likely to grow new offshoots, even after severing a major cut.
The Season or Timing of the Cut
Oaks, maples, and other species grow the most in spring and summer, and cutting a root during these periods causes excessive stress. If you must remove a root, the tree has the best chance of recovering in the winter. Ask an arborist to help with the process.
Dealing With Severed Roots
Sometimes, you can’t avoid pruning roots. They may have a disease, or the homeowner may wish to build a structure over them.
Working with a professional service often means you can remove the problematic root without permanent damage to the tree. They’ll use the following process to remove the root:
- Locate the root and dig out the dirt around it.
- Cut straight across the root rather than at a bias
- Carefully monitor the plant’s health
Schedule Expert Care Today
What happens if you cut a tree root? 3 Dads Tree Services helps potentially save the tree, ensuring minimal damage. We answer questions like, “Why are branches falling off my tree,” and whether you can safely sever a problematic root.
Call (707) 506-6602 to obtain a free estimate.