Question
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Hi there,
I am in the process of digging out a parking spot on my 30 degree sloped property. There is an approximately 200 ft tall douglas fir tree (approximately 4 ft around) about 4 feet away from where i am digging
Here is my problem... I have come across a root on the lower side of the hill with a root that is about 8 inches across.
Here is my question... If I were to cut this root, will i weaken the tree? it is only 40 ft away from my house and i don't want to take any chance so the tree doesn't fall on our house.
Thanks for your time and advice!
AnswerNot good for the tree at all. If you cut more than 30% of a tree's root system you will cause die back of the branches. Digging this close to a large tree you will see next year the limbs on that side of the tree start to die back. There is enough root system left that the tree will be stable and should not be weakened as for as holding the tree up.
With the digging you have done two things--cut a large portion of the roots and also lowered the water table near the tree. The soil will dry out faster with the cut than before. Next year you will need to water the tree when it does not rain to compensate for the root loss.
