Knowledgebase

Live Cedar Tree Root Removal Concerns and questions. #780586

Asked January 21, 2022, 2:38 PM EST

Hello. We want to build a retaining wall. We are building down hill from a tall but young Cedar. The Cedar may be about 20 or more years old we don't really know. We are finding roots in our way. We want to know what our options are with removing the roots. Is it dangerous for the tree to cut the roots or should we just try to move them over. We don't know how to handle this problem correctly. Please give us some advice. Thank you!

Lane County Oregon

Expert Response

Hello, you have a difficult problem and depending on the tree, you may want to have a consulting arborist look at it (costs money of course), and also provide some insight into mitigation.  Here is the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) directory for the our region:   https://online.flippingbook.com/view/608514/

In general, it is best not to cut the roots, but this also could depend on distance from the tree.  If you are 20 ft. from the trunk, then severing a few roots probably isn't a huge problem.  But if you are 2 ft away, and you severe all the roots on one side of the tree, that can cause issues for the tree.

The depth you need to go down into the ground is also an issue, but if you can go over the roots that might be ok.  Perhaps buffering with sand before laying the retaining panels on the ground.   

I hope this is of some help.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied January 24, 2022, 12:17 PM EST

Loading ...