--- title: What Happens to Tree Roots After Removal? url: https://battleborntreeservice.com/faq/tree-removal/what-happens-to-the-roots-after-removal/ business: Battle Born Tree Service address: 6301 US Highway 50 East, Carson City, NV 89701 phone: 775.232.8243 hours: Office Monday-Friday 8:30 am-5:00 pm; phones answered seven days a week; 24-hour emergency service credentials: ISA Certified Arborist WE-11728A on staff; Nevada Business License # 20131580674; fully insured type: Tree service (removal, crane work, pruning, stump grinding, defensible space, snow removal, firewood) --- - [Home](https://battleborntreeservice.com/) - [Questions and answers](https://battleborntreeservice.com/faq/) - [Tree removal](https://battleborntreeservice.com/faq/tree-removal/) - What happens to the roots after a tree is removed? # What happens to the roots after a tree is removed? The roots can no longer feed the tree, so they die and break down slowly underground. Some species, such as aspen, cottonwood and Siberian elm, can send up new shoots from live roots. ## 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](https://battleborntreeservice.com/faq/stump-grinding/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](tel: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. ### Sources - [USDA Forest Service Fire Effects Information System: Populus tremuloides](https://www.fs.usda.gov/database/feis/plants/tree/poptre/all.html) (read October 17, 2026) ### Talk to the office [775.232.8243](tel:775.232.8243) | Monday to Friday | 8:30 am - 5:00 pm | |---|---| | Saturday and Sunday | Office closed, phones answered | Phones answered seven days a week. 24-hour emergency service. [Free estimate](#quote) ### Keep reading - [Stump grinding and stump removal](https://battleborntreeservice.com/tree-services/stump-grinding/) - [Tree roots, sidewalks and sewer lines](https://battleborntreeservice.com/guides/tree-roots-sidewalks-sewer-lines/) - [Can you plant after stump grinding?](https://battleborntreeservice.com/guides/planting-after-stump-grinding/) - [Quaking aspen](https://battleborntreeservice.com/tree-guide/quaking-aspen/) ### Terms on this page [Arborist](https://battleborntreeservice.com/glossary/arborist/) [The full glossary](https://battleborntreeservice.com/glossary/) ### All tree removal questions - [Tree removal questions](https://battleborntreeservice.com/faq/tree-removal/) ## Related tree removal questions [Is stump grinding included in a tree removal?](https://battleborntreeservice.com/faq/tree-removal/is-stump-grinding-included-in-tree-removal/) [How long does a tree removal take?](https://battleborntreeservice.com/faq/tree-removal/how-long-does-tree-removal-take/) [Can trees be removed in winter?](https://battleborntreeservice.com/faq/tree-removal/can-trees-be-removed-in-winter/) [Can you take down part of a tree instead of the whole thing?](https://battleborntreeservice.com/faq/tree-removal/can-you-remove-part-of-a-tree/) [Will tree removal damage my lawn or driveway?](https://battleborntreeservice.com/faq/tree-removal/will-tree-removal-damage-my-lawn-or-driveway/) [Can you remove a tree on a steep slope?](https://battleborntreeservice.com/faq/tree-removal/removing-a-tree-on-a-steep-slope/) [Previous question: Can you remove a tree on a steep slope?](https://battleborntreeservice.com/faq/tree-removal/removing-a-tree-on-a-steep-slope/) [Next question: Can a dead tree be left standing for wildlife?](https://battleborntreeservice.com/faq/tree-removal/can-a-dead-tree-be-left-standing-for-wildlife/)