Question
We are trying to remove a Magnolia tree that was planted approximately 15 to 20 years ago because we live in the Sierra foothills where it snows periodically and the weight of the "wet" snow breaks off the main branches every year.  We are encountering a mass of roots around the trunk and are wondering if Magnolias have a tap root.  Any suggesions would be welcome.

Answer
Magnolias have a very unusual root system.  It has tap-roots, but their feeder roots are soft and close to the surface. The roots like to spread wider than most trees, just under the soil surface.  Unlike most other trees and shrubs, the roots are largely un-branched and rope-like.

Roots can shoot off for 100's of feet in some mature tree species, while there may be just one anchor root going straight down. If you need to remove a tree usually the only part you need.to worry about is directly at the base. Digging a stump out by hand can be a big chore and requires removing all wood in a 4' radius. I recommend hiring an arborist to grind out the stump, their machines can remove a stump 18" deep. If you are interested in replacing the tree I would wait until spring next year, most of the stump and radiating roots will have decayed by then. Some places have these root grinding machines for rent.