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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.

While the fastest way to kill a tree is to simply cut it down, there are several other methods to choose from. You should hire a professional tree removal service to cut down a tree to ensure your personal and property safety. Some slower but effective options include treating or grinding the tree stump or using a basal bark treatment. 

If you’re planning on keeping the tree, unless the roots are invasive, there’s no need to remove them, as doing so can cause damage to the tree. If the tree has been cut down and the stump and roots are left, grinding and removing the stump can cause root decay for some species. For other species, the stump and roots will need to be removed to prevent pests, disease, and possible tree regrowth.

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.