Tree Root Removal: When, Why & How to Remove Invasive Tree Roots

Tree roots don't stop being a problem just because the tree is gone. In fact, the extensive root systems left behind after tree removal can cause just as many issues as the tree itself. Surface roots crack driveways, invade sewer lines, and create tripping hazards across your lawn. With over 14 years of experience handling root removal projects throughout Hampton Roads, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about when, why, and how to deal with invasive tree roots.

When Do Tree Roots Need Removal?

Not every situation requires root removal. Standard stump grinding handles the stump itself, and the remaining underground roots will decay naturally over 5-10 years. However, there are specific situations where active root removal becomes necessary.

Surface Roots Causing Damage

When large surface roots are lifting sidewalks, cracking driveways, buckling patios, or pushing against your home's foundation, they need to be removed. In Hampton Roads, our clay-heavy soils force many tree species to develop shallow root systems that grow along the surface rather than deep into the ground.

Construction Preparation

If you're planning to build a patio, deck, shed, addition, or any other structure where the tree once stood, the root system needs to be cleared from the construction zone. Roots left in the ground will decay unevenly, causing the soil above them to settle and potentially undermining foundations, footings, and slabs.

Sidewalk and Driveway Lifting

Tree roots are the number one cause of sidewalk and driveway damage in residential neighborhoods. A single root growing under a concrete slab can lift it several inches, creating a dangerous tripping hazard and an expensive repair. Removing the offending roots before replacing the concrete prevents the problem from recurring.

Pipe and Sewer Line Intrusion

Tree roots naturally seek out moisture, and the joints and small cracks in older sewer pipes are an open invitation. Roots can penetrate sewer lines and grow inside them, causing blockages, backups, and eventually pipe failure. If a plumber has identified root intrusion in your sewer line, the roots along that path need to be removed to prevent repeat problems.

Root Removal vs. Root Grinding: Key Differences

These two approaches address roots differently, and each has its place depending on the situation.

Root Grinding

Root grinding uses a stump grinder or specialized root grinding attachment to grind individual surface roots down 6-8 inches below grade. The ground-up material is mixed into the surrounding soil. This is the best approach for surface roots that are causing tripping hazards or interfering with lawn mowing, but where you don't need the roots completely gone.

Root Removal (Excavation)

Root removal involves digging out the roots entirely using a mini excavator, root saw, or hand tools. The roots are physically extracted from the soil, leaving a clean trench or area that can be backfilled. This is necessary when preparing for construction, addressing pipe intrusion, or when roots need to be completely eliminated from an area.

Equipment Used for Root Removal

Professional root removal requires specialized equipment that goes beyond a standard stump grinder.

• Stump grinder with root attachments: Extended cutting heads that can follow roots along the surface and grind them below grade
• Mini excavator: Essential for large-scale root excavation, digging around and extracting major root systems
• Root saw: A heavy-duty reciprocating saw designed for cutting through large roots underground
• Air spade: Uses compressed air to expose roots without damaging them or nearby utilities, allowing precise selective removal
• Trencher: Used to cut through root zones when installing root barriers or severing roots along a property line

Root Removal Cost Ranges

The cost of root removal depends primarily on the scope of work, the size and number of roots, site access, and whether heavy equipment is needed.

These costs are in addition to stump grinding if the tree has been removed and the stump still needs to be addressed. Many homeowners save by bundling stump grinding and root work in a single visit.

Tree Species With Aggressive Root Systems

Some tree species are far more likely to require root removal work than others. In Hampton Roads, these are the most frequent offenders we deal with:

• Silver Maple: Extremely aggressive surface roots that lift sidewalks and invade sewer lines. The most common root removal job we handle
• Willow: Roots seek water relentlessly, making them notorious for sewer line intrusion
• Sweetgum: Develops a wide-spreading, shallow root system that pushes up across large areas
• Southern Magnolia: Thick surface roots that are very difficult to mow around
• Pin Oak and Willow Oak: Extensive lateral root systems that spread well beyond the canopy
• Poplar and Cottonwood: Fast-growing roots that are highly invasive and prone to sewer intrusion

Protecting Remaining Trees During Root Removal

If you're removing roots from one tree but want to protect nearby living trees, careful planning is essential. Tree roots often intertwine underground, and cutting roots from a removed tree too aggressively can damage adjacent trees.

• Never cut roots within the drip line of a living tree without consulting an arborist
• Limit root cutting to 25% or less of any living tree's root system
• Water nearby trees deeply after root work to reduce transplant shock
• Use an air spade when working near living root systems to avoid accidental damage
• Time root work for dormant season (late fall through early spring) when trees are less stressed

Hampton Roads Soil Considerations

The soil conditions across Hampton Roads have a direct impact on how trees develop their root systems and how root removal is approached.

Much of the region has a mix of clay and sandy soils. In areas with heavy clay, like parts of Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Suffolk, tree roots tend to stay shallow because the dense clay is difficult to penetrate. This means more surface roots and more root-related property damage. The upside is that roots in clay soil are easier to locate and remove because they're concentrated near the surface.

In sandier areas closer to the coast, such as Virginia Beach and parts of Hampton, roots tend to grow deeper but can spread more widely. Sandy soil makes excavation easier but roots may extend further from the trunk than expected.

The high water table throughout much of Hampton Roads also pushes roots toward the surface. Trees can't send roots deep if the soil is saturated, so they spread laterally instead. This is why surface root problems are so common across the entire region.