Cutting tree roots...

[lspencer534]

I hit on this subject once before (I think), but here it is with a twist. I have two goups of 3 bald cypress trees at the ends of a grassy area that my oval driveway goes around. The roots have come under the concrete driveay and have caused it to heave in 2 places. I see small cypress knees (roots) up to my house foundation.

I want to cut the roots using a trencher; this means I would be cutting as close as 15' to some of the trees, which are about 70' tall. I plan to do this in the Dead of Winter, when the tree sap is "down". I'm not worried if I kill the trees since my house foundation is more important.

My question: The roots will of course grow back. How long does copper sulfate last in the ground to prevent future growth? I suppose I could punch holes in the trench and add more, but I don't know what that schedule should be. Or should I just go ahead and install a barrier, such as an iron sheet, in the trench?

My understanding is that although cypress trees are the best at withstanding wind, their roots are only about 2' deep at most. Can anyone verify this?

[Grey Ghost]

http://www.therock.net.nz/portals/0/content/funnyshit/trees-rooting-11.jpg

http://funfive.net/pictures/images/Roots%20of%20lust.jpg

[lspencer534]

http://www.therock.net.nz/portals/0/content/funnyshit/trees-rooting-11.jpg

http://funfive.net/pictures/images/Roots%20of%20lust.jpg

Some of my cypress knees are about 10" high and look just like a penis growing in the flower bed.

[mrvette]

Cut them down and fuggetaboutit.....seriously, the numbers of rotten trees around my silly little burb that have fallen from ROT are just ASSTOUNDING..... why in hell people let 100+' trees tower over their homes just not in my understanding....shade is fine, but the trees are too isolated to get much wind break like a standing forest, and of course a 3' trunk on your house means you are toast.....

:issues::leaving:

[Bucwheat]

I have pine roots going under my driveway and am going to dig down and cut them out with a chain saw. Had to do this about 10 years ago.

[lspencer534]

I have pine roots going under my driveway and am going to dig down and cut them out with a chain saw. Had to do this about 10 years ago.

Have you considered using copper sulfate to keep the roots from growing back?

[SQUIRMIN VERMIN 84]

Where can you get copper sulfate in , I assume, large amounts?

[Bucwheat]

Have you considered using copper sulfate to keep the roots from growing back?

Will it harm grass?

[LATB]

I would harvest those Cypress trees.

[lspencer534]

Where can you get copper sulfate in , I assume, large amounts?

Google. About $25 for 10 pounds.

[lspencer534]

Will it harm grass?

You're supposed to use it to keep you sewer lines free from roots. Sewer lines are fertile feeding grounds for trees: Water, rich organic matter. Flush the copper sulfate drystals down the toilet, and it makes pretty fast work of tiny roots, larger ones will soon rot. It's not supposed to harm grass unless used in excess.

[mrvette]

You're supposed to use it to keep you sewer lines free from roots. Sewer lines are fertile feeding grounds for trees: Water, rich organic matter. Flush the copper sulfate drystals down the toilet, and it makes pretty fast work of tiny roots, larger ones will soon rot. It's not supposed to harm grass unless used in excess.

Hate to wipe out the pot crop.....:rasta:

[6spdC6]

Have you considered using copper sulfate to keep the roots from growing back?

Will it harm grass?

In my experience it will kill the tree, do not know about grass.

I know up north that rock salt will kill the trees and that is easy to get your hands on.

[lspencer534]

In my experience it will kill the tree, do not know about grass.

I know up north that rock salt will kill the trees and that is easy to get your hands on.

Properly used it will not hurt the tree. It's been used to kill and keep tree roots out of sewer lines for decades.