Should You Remove Tree Roots in North Phoenix?

Are tree roots causing problems in your North Phoenix yard? Whether they’re pushing up your sidewalk, getting in the way of lawn maintenance, or making you nervous about your foundation, you’re not alone.

Many homeowners around Anthem and North Phoenix wonder if they should remove trees with problematic roots or remove entire root systems after a tree has been removed. But removing tree roots isn’t always the right answer, and doing it wrong can lead to expensive problems down the road. Here’s what you need to know.

Key Takeaways:

• Tree root problems often indicate deeper issues – removing visible roots rarely solves the underlying problem and can potentially harm or destabilize the tree.
• After tree removal, roots will naturally decay and generally don’t need to be removed unless you’re planning to plant a new tree in the exact same spot.
• Professional solutions like selective root pruning, root barriers, and landscape adjustments can often address root problems while preserving tree health.
• DIY root removal can create expensive problems, including tree instability, reduced property value, and increased vulnerability to storm damage.

Why Homeowners Ask About Root Removal

Tree roots are amazing at finding water, nutrients, and space to grow. However, in urban and suburban environments like North Phoenix, this determination can lead to conflicts with your property. Most homeowners don’t think twice about their tree roots until they notice a problem. And by then, the issue might already be serious.

The most common reasons North Phoenix homeowners ask about root removal include:

• Cracks appear in driveways, walkways, or hardscapes
• Uneven surfaces create tripping hazards
• Surface roots make lawn care frustrating
• Concerns about roots damaging their home’s foundation
• Old tree roots get in the way of new landscaping projects after a tree has been removed

Ignoring these issues won’t make them go away. In fact, root problems typically get worse and more expensive to fix over time. A crack in your driveway might start small, but as roots continue to grow and expand, that crack will, too. It’s even possible for roots barely visible at the soil surface now to become major obstacles for your lawnmower in just a year or two.

But before you grab a saw or call someone to chop up those roots, it’s important to understand what’s actually happening underground.

Tree roots spread much farther than most people realize, often extending two to three times the tree’s height. And while some roots might be causing obvious problems above ground, they also play crucial roles in keeping your tree healthy, strong, and stable.

 

Understanding Tree Root Removal

Most people assume removing problematic tree roots is as simple as cutting out the ones they can see. However, tree roots are complex systems that grow and spread based on available water, nutrients, and space. In North Phoenix’s urban environment, they often follow irrigation lines and grow toward the moisture that collects near foundations and hardscapes.

When a root starts causing problems, removing just that root rarely solves the issue long-term. Trees are resilient, and they’ll often grow new roots in the same area to replace what was removed. If you remove too many roots, you risk destabilizing the tree or compromising its health, creating dangerous situations during our strong summer monsoon storms.

The good news is that not all root problems require removal. Sometimes, other solutions can effectively manage root issues while keeping your trees healthy and your property safe. The key is knowing when root removal makes sense and when other options might work better.

When Root Removal Makes Sense

After removing a tree and grinding the stump, many homeowners assume all the roots must come out, too. But this usually isn’t necessary or possible. Attempting to remove all or a large portion of a tree’s roots would lead to uprooting almost your entire yard.

Once a tree is removed, the roots will naturally decay over time. This is a good thing because these roots feed the soil around them. They won’t keep growing or cause new problems. The only time you might want to remove more roots is if you’re planning to plant a new tree in exactly the same spot. In this case, additional root removal or grinding might be an option. However, it’s more complex than it sounds, and you should explain your plans to a local Certified Arborist who can best advise on how to make this happen.

Usually, it’s recommended to wait 1-2 years before planting a new tree in the same spot, as the old roots wouldn’t have started to decay by this point, allowing the new tree’s roots to expand more easily.

Selective Root Removal for Living Trees

For living trees, selective root pruning can sometimes help manage specific problems. For example, if a single root is lifting a section of sidewalk, carefully pruning or redirecting that root might solve the issue without harming the tree. However, this needs to be done carefully and professionally to avoid creating bigger problems down the road.

Surface roots that cause upheavals in your landscape are another common concern for North Phoenix homeowners. While these roots can create tripping hazards or make mowing difficult if you have a lawn, removing them isn’t always the best solution. Often, adjusting your landscaping might be the better option, allowing you to work around the roots and preserve your tree’s health.

 

Protecting Your Property Value by Maintaining Tree Health

A healthy tree with a strong root system is an asset to your North Phoenix property. Mature trees provide essential shade that can cut your summer cooling costs dramatically – not a small consideration when temperatures regularly hit triple digits. They also boost your property value, prevent soil erosion, and create an inviting outdoor space.

But these benefits only last as long as your tree stays healthy and stable. Often, DIY root pruning or removal attempts can quickly turn a valuable asset into a liability. This poor root management can lead to:

• Decay and entry points for pests and diseases
• Reduced nutrient and water uptake
• Weakened, stressed trees
• Greater risk of tree failure, especially during monsoons
• Unstable trees that are more likely to fall in storms

This is why it’s important to work with Certified Arborists who understand both tree biology and local conditions. They can assess the real cause of root problems and recommend solutions that protect your property and your trees.

How to Remove or Manage Tree Roots

When root problems do require professional attention, several solutions are available. Stump grinding is often the most practical approach after tree removal, as it removes the visible stump and nearby roots while leaving deeper roots to decay naturally.

At Titan Tree Care, our stump grinders fit through any standard 36″ gate, allowing us to access most backyards easily. However, we generally don’t grind roots more than a foot or two away from the actual stump.

When grinding isn’t an option, we also offer stump removal. Although it leads to the same result, removal is more precise. Think of it like popping out a tooth, rather than grinding and hacking away. Removal can also lead to a greater number of roots coming out.

If only certain sections of roots need to come out after a stump is ground, our team can also remove precise sections manually, helping you achieve your landscaping goals, while leaving the rest of the roots to decay.

And what about living trees with troublesome roots? Professional arborists can:

• Selectively prune specific roots that are causing issues, ensuring most major roots are left intact for tree health.
• Install root barriers to minimize the chance of roots spreading to unwanted areas.
• Recommend landscaping adjustments that work with existing roots rather than fight with them.
• Provide guidance on irrigation practices that encourage deeper root growth, moving roots away from the surface.

FAQs About Troublesome Tree Roots

Will removing surface roots kill my tree?

Removing surface roots can seriously harm your tree. Tree roots work together as a system – some provide stability while others take up water and nutrients. Removing the wrong roots, or too many of them, can weaken the entire tree. It’s best to have a Certified Arborist assess the situation before removing any roots.

How long does it take for old tree roots to decay?

In Phoenix’s dry climate, this process can take years, depending on the size of the roots and soil conditions. But you don’t need to wait for complete decay unless you’re planning to plant a new tree in the exact same spot.

Can I remove roots from my neighbor’s tree that cross into my yard?

While those roots may be in your yard, cutting them could harm or kill your neighbor’s tree, potentially making you liable for damages. The best approach is to talk with your neighbor and work with a professional arborist to find a solution that protects both properties.

What’s the difference between stump grinding and complete removal?

Stump grinding removes the stump and nearby roots below ground level, usually 6-12 inches deep. Complete removal takes out the entire stump and accessible roots. While complete removal might seem better, grinding is usually more practical. It’s less disruptive and allows remaining roots to decay naturally, turning them into nutrients for the surrounding landscape.

Manage Tree Roots Safely with Titan Tree Care

Tree root problems won’t solve themselves, but rushing into root removal can create more expensive issues down the road. The key is working with experienced professionals who can assess your specific situation and recommend the right solution for your property.

If you’re dealing with problem roots from live trees or need stump grinding services in the North Phoenix area, our Certified Arborists at Titan Tree Care are ready to help. We’ll inspect your property, explain your options, and handle any root issues safely and efficiently. Call us at 623-444-8448 or use our online form to request a free estimate today.