Removing roots by hand is a practical method for clearing garden beds, removing small bushes, or dealing with stubborn tree roots. It requires physical effort and the right tools, but allows for precise work.
Removing roots by hand primarily involves digging around the roots, cutting them, and lifting them out.
The Process of Manual Root Removal
Tackling root removal manually breaks down into a few distinct steps, each requiring specific actions and tools to effectively loosen, sever, and extract the roots from the soil.
Step 1: Exposing the Roots
The initial phase focuses on uncovering the root system you wish to remove, making it accessible for cutting and lifting.
- Using your spade, you'll want to dig out the soil that surrounds the tree root system to expose them. Work your way around the base and along the apparent path of the roots to reveal as much as possible.
Step 2: Cutting Through the Roots
Once exposed, you need to sever the main root structure into manageable sections.
- Dig out the dirt surrounding the ones that are still intact. Ensure you have clear access around the root you intend to cut.
- Cut through them using your loppers. Position the loppers around the root and apply firm pressure to make a clean cut. For thicker roots, multiple cuts or even a root saw might be necessary, although loppers are specified for this method.
Step 3: Lifting Out Root Sections
With the roots cut, the final step is to extract the severed pieces from the ground.
- Next, use the grub hoe to lift out the cut roots. The weight and shape of the grub hoe allow you to leverage the root sections out of the loosened soil.
| Tool | Primary Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Spade | Digging | Expose roots by removing surrounding soil. |
| Loppers | Cutting | Sever exposed roots. |
| Grub Hoe | Lifting/Leveraging | Extract cut root sections from the ground. |
This methodical approach ensures that you systematically address the root system, making the manual removal process more efficient and effective. While labor-intensive, hand removal gives you granular control over which roots are removed and minimizes disturbance to surrounding vegetation.
