Our redwood trees were too big and too close to the house so we had them cut down. Now we will grind out the stumps and remove the large roots. However, the ground is totally saturated with the smaller old redwood roots. What should we do about them before we landscape?
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The roots slowly decomposing will leave holes, and can make some areas sink. Speeding up decomposition is the fastest road to your goal.– J. MusserCommented Feb 11, 2016 at 19:09
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Make sure you don't try to pul them out. If they are close to your house you could end up damaging your foundation. Like @J.Musser say's, find a way to accelerate the decomposition of the roots in the ground.– NKY HomesteadingCommented Feb 11, 2016 at 22:25
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1Horse manure will speed up decomposition, buy a couple tons of it and spread it around thickly. It will only stink for a few days.– EscoceCommented Feb 11, 2016 at 22:29
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1Hahaha that made me laugh. But yeah nitrogen will help once the roots are dead. Mostly if worked into the ground, though. Cutting it as small as possible (if possible) would help a lot– J. MusserCommented Feb 11, 2016 at 22:42
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1Lets try to keep the answers in the answer section and the questions posted as such, y'all :)– J. MusserCommented Feb 11, 2016 at 23:54
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1 Answer
Tree roots stop growing immediately after the tree has been felled, but may take weeks to months (and longer) to die unless the stump has been poisoned with a herbicide. If the stump is not treated, then the roots may send up sprouts, and the roots will start to grow again. While they are alive, trying to advance their decomposition will not work.
It is recommended that any major construction work wait for 6 months after killing the roots so that any ground settlement can occur. If the house were close to the redwood such that the roots were able to extend underneath, then the house may settle a little as well. Presumably your arborist can advise how far the large roots have spread, and whether this is a possibility or not.
answered Feb 12, 2016 at 4:22
