The trees are feet tall.

Then, apply two inches of the mixture around the base of the tree.

Cutting Silver Maple Roots. I am building a retaining wall that is about a foot from the base of a 15 year old Silver Maple tree (10 inch diameter). Needless to say, I'm encountering numerous roots. I've cut through most of them since they are small (less that 2 inch diameter). But, I've encountered one that is somewhat larder (5 inch diameter).

Feb 16, However, cutting out surface tree roots is not advisable as tree roots offer structural support and provide a nutrient flow that supports growth and vigor.

With that being said, we understand the desire not to give up on your Tree.

When damaged, tree roots. Sep 29, Generally, you can safely prune roots that are times the diameter away from your tree. So, if your tree has a diameter of 3 feet, only cut tree roots feet away from the tree.

Mark the area you’ll cut, and dig a hole all the way around the root until it is completely exposed. Use a root saw to prune the tree. In some cases an alternative to cutting through the entire tree root is to shave the top of the root.

This can be done when roots are lifting walkways or new walkways are being installed. The amount shaved should be kept to a minimum.

No more than 1/3rd of the top of the root should be shaved. Make clean cuts when cutting roots. Use sharp loppers or a sharp hand saw. Don’t leave ragged edges on the root ends. Try to cut them off where there are root junctions – just like pruning a tree.