Roots - Ask Extension
I’ve recently move to a new property with a lot of trees. We had a few removed for various reasons and would like to add some other shrubs or flower...
Knowledgebase
Roots #754243
Asked June 05, 2021, 11:50 PM EDT
I’ve recently move to a new property with a lot of trees. We had a few removed for various reasons and would like to add some other shrubs or flowers in the ground where some of the trees were. Everywhere we go to dig a hole to plant something or prep the soil we run into massive amounts of roots. Thick roots, thin tiny roots etc. it’s impossible to admit below 2” because of the roots. How to I navigate around these roots? Can they be broken up with a rototiller? Should we avoid planting anything among them?
Washington County Oregon
Expert Response
Planting understory shrubs near existing trees can be a challenge. There are roots in the soil to compete with new plants for space and water. Shade from mature trees is also a consideration.
Are you asking how to remove the roots of the trees you had removed, or are these roots from remaining trees? Is this a large property where hiring an excavator to clear the land is appropriate?
Photos and a conversation will offer you the most useful help rather than this online forum. I suggest you call or email directly with Extension Master Gardener Volunteers. Here is contact information for your area Metro Master Gardeners.
Hello,
I’m sorry my original e-mail wasn’t specific enough. The trouble is that I have had trees removed and the stumps ground down. The areas where the trees were are great place to plant new things like shrubs or flowers. But when I try to dig holes to place the new plants in the ground I run into massive root systems. The roots are thick and really thin and stringy. It’s impossible to dig through. Could I use a rototiller to break up the roots and remove some of them? Will the roots that remain inhibit the growth of new plants? The property isn’t large enough for full root excavation.
Thank you,
Christina nunez
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
On Jun 7, 2021, at 8:44 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Hello,
A rototiller will not be able to chop up woody roots from trees that have been removed.
You can bring in a stump grinder again and make wider passes to break up the roots.
A small excavator could also dig out the roots.
Lastly, you can use a pick with ax blade head to cut the roots so that you can dig down to install new plants.
If you have further questions, feel free to call me directly<personal data hidden>.
Weston
A rototiller will not be able to chop up woody roots from trees that have been removed.
You can bring in a stump grinder again and make wider passes to break up the roots.
A small excavator could also dig out the roots.
Lastly, you can use a pick with ax blade head to cut the roots so that you can dig down to install new plants.
If you have further questions, feel free to call me directly<personal data hidden>.
Weston
