Dealing with Tree Roots in the Lawn: Removal and Prevention

After buying a home, you discover the backyard is riddled with tree roots from previously removed trees—some possibly still connected to neighbors’ trees. You also have bare dirt patches where grass won’t grow. You’re wondering whether to cut the roots, rent a stump grinder, or find another solution.

Understanding Tree Root Systems

Tree roots extend far beyond the canopy—typically 2.5 to 7 times the tree’s width. Picture a wine goblet on a dinner plate: the goblet is the trunk, the plate is the wide, shallow root system. Roots from surrounding trees naturally invade your yard.

Can You Cut the Roots?

Cutting roots kills them, and cutting enough can kill the tree. Dead roots can be dug out or left to rot over time. However, there’s no practical way to prevent roots from growing onto your property from neighboring trees.

Why Grass Won’t Grow

The bare patches occur because tree roots have occupied the soil space, outcompeting grass for water and nutrients. In a natural woodland, these areas would be covered with decomposing leaves, creating a forest floor rather than a lawn.

Practical Advice

• If you must remove dead roots, dig them out carefully.
• Consider converting root-heavy areas into mulched beds or woodland gardens with shade-tolerant plants.
• Accept that some root intrusion is inevitable; focus on managing the space rather than eliminating roots entirely.