Get matched with top leaf removal pros in Vanderwagen, NM

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.

Although many tree roots will continue to grow after the tree has been cut, there are a handful of exceptions to this rule. While species like elms, ficus, and willows have roots that will regrow with a vengeance, pine, oak, and maple roots will die when they’re cut down. If you’re not sure what kind of tree roots you’re dealing with, there’s a simple way to find out. New sprouts on old trunks, stumps, or exposed roots are a sign that the root system is still hard at work.

You may wonder whether tree removal is tax deductible: Tree removal is not tax-deductible for homeowners unless it's related to a federally declared disaster. In that case, the cost may qualify as a casualty loss. However, if you own a commercial property, like a rental home, tree removal could be deductible if it's necessary for safety, maintenance, or part of a larger capital improvement project, and you must hire a professional tree removal service and keep documentation. Always consult a tax professional beforehand to see if you qualify.

Stump grinding leaves the stump and roots below the grinding depth intact, though they will gradually decay over the next decade. You can grow plants with shallow roots, such as grass, over the remaining pieces of your now-deceased tree. However, you should wait until they fully decay to plant anything with a larger root system.