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Yes, tree roots can regenerate after they’re pruned or cut. In fact, trimming can stimulate new growth, especially in healthy trees. The tree’s roots can still grow back even after a tree is cut down, (and learning how to get rid of regrowing tree roots is a separate feat). Still, if you don’t wish to harm a tree, pruning the roots should be done with extreme care, and ideally by a professional.

For a large tree, roots can take 5 to 10 years to completely decay after a stump dies. But that’s rarely a concern for above-ground plants and growth. You can choose to grind up a stump immediately after felling a tree (although it will be tougher wood), or you can wait several months up to a year for the stump to decay. When finished, you can leave any leftover roots in the ground to decompose.

There are many ways to cut through roots when digging, especially if your trencher doesn’t seem to be removing the roots. First, use a shovel to expose the roots. Then, use gardening shears to clear out smaller roots or a reciprocating saw to remove larger plant roots. If you plan on keeping the plant, avoid cutting any roots over 2 inches thick.

In extreme cases, cutting a tree’s roots can cause it to eventually fall if the roots that were trimmed affect the tree’s structure and stability. If you make severe cuts to roots that are more than 2 inches in diameter, you run the risk of affecting the tree’s water flow as well as its ability to withstand severe winds or storms that could cause it to fall.