What happens to the roots after a tree is removed?

The slow decay

Roots left in the ground rot over years, not weeks, and how fast depends on size, species and soil. Large roots near the surface may leave soft spots as they decay. Roots the width of a wrist can last a long time in dry Nevada soil. Stump grinding takes out the stump and the top of the root crown, but the deeper roots stay and decay by themselves.

Species that sprout

Aspen is the best known. The U.S. Forest Service says aspen sprouts from its roots after stems are cut, burned or killed, and calls root sprouting the most common way it regenerates. Cottonwood, poplar and Siberian elm behave in a similar way in many yards. If you have one of those, expect shoots in the lawn the next season and ask the arborist how to handle them. See will a ground stump sprout.

Pipes, paving and planting

Roots that already reach a sewer line, a sidewalk or a foundation do not leave when the tree does, but they stop growing. If a pipe is already blocked, that is a plumber's question. Planting a new tree at the same spot is best done with the old root zone in mind; tell the arborist, who can say what is left in the ground. Tree planting itself is not a service we offer.

Call 775.232.8243 and describe what is nearby.

If roots are a concern, ask the arborist about three things at the visit: how close the roots run to pipes and paving, whether the species is one that sprouts, and what you plan to put in the spot. The answers shape whether grinding, leaving the stump to decay or full stump removal fits. Root barriers, which are on our service list, are for guiding roots of trees that are staying, not for trees that are gone.