Cutting ground level tree roots - Ask Extension
Can I cut the ground level root from my maple tree? I only want to cut the one root and it is about 3 feet from the trunk of the tree.
Knowledgebase
Cutting ground level tree roots #926269
Asked March 18, 2026, 8:59 PM EDT
Can I cut the ground level root from my maple tree? I only want to cut the one root and it is about 3 feet from the trunk of the tree.
Linn County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Linda,
Is this a root that travels on top of the ground horizontally? It looks like bark? Or is this a vertical growth that looks like a seedling tree?
Pictures do help if you can take one.
If it is growing vertically those are referred to as suckers. Yes, you can cut it. Dig down and try to get as much of it as possible - cutting below the soil. Use clean clippers, dunk them in hydrogen peroxide for a few minutes before cutting. This will kill any germs.
Cutting the sucker will not hurt the tree. Actually the suckers are draining the tree of nutrients.
If it is growing horizontally I would need more information.
How big/old is the tree? Is it in good health? Thriving? How large is the growth you want to remove?
If you have further questions, please contact us again.
Is this a root that travels on top of the ground horizontally? It looks like bark? Or is this a vertical growth that looks like a seedling tree?
Pictures do help if you can take one.
If it is growing vertically those are referred to as suckers. Yes, you can cut it. Dig down and try to get as much of it as possible - cutting below the soil. Use clean clippers, dunk them in hydrogen peroxide for a few minutes before cutting. This will kill any germs.
Cutting the sucker will not hurt the tree. Actually the suckers are draining the tree of nutrients.
If it is growing horizontally I would need more information.
How big/old is the tree? Is it in good health? Thriving? How large is the growth you want to remove?
If you have further questions, please contact us again.
Hi Sheryl,
Thank you for the quick response.
The tree is about 20 years old and in great condition.
The root we want to cut is growing horizontal.
See the picture, the root is in the shade to the right.
The rocks serve as drainage and the root is starting to block the drainage.
Thank you for your guidance
Linda
Dear Linda,
Since it is blocking the drainage and needs to be moved, why not remove the rocks where the root is and dig a deeper trench for the root to go under the rocks. The reason it is on top of the soil is due to the amount of water it can get there.
Cutting the root may or may not harm the tree. I see other roots coming out of the soil as well. If possible, deep water in the summer so the roots will go down instead of staying on the surface. Do not water again until the top 5-6 inches of soil are dry.
Cutting the root is a decision you need to make. If it is 20 years old, there should be other roots to feed the tree.
Thanks for the picture. If you have more questions, please re-contat us.
Since it is blocking the drainage and needs to be moved, why not remove the rocks where the root is and dig a deeper trench for the root to go under the rocks. The reason it is on top of the soil is due to the amount of water it can get there.
Cutting the root may or may not harm the tree. I see other roots coming out of the soil as well. If possible, deep water in the summer so the roots will go down instead of staying on the surface. Do not water again until the top 5-6 inches of soil are dry.
Cutting the root is a decision you need to make. If it is 20 years old, there should be other roots to feed the tree.
Thanks for the picture. If you have more questions, please re-contat us.
Thank you for writing to us.
