Question
I recently purchased a home. The back yard seems to have had a one time a number of tree's. The previous owners must have had them removed and some of the stumps grounded down. The issues I have is that my back yard is full of tree roots. Some may even still be alive and connected to trees from my neighbors yard. I also have a number of dirt patches around the yard. What can I do to remove the tree roots and how can I solve the problem of my neighbors tree roots growing in my yard? Can I just cut the roots or rent a machine to do this?

Answer
Hi Danny, Tree roots extend well beyond the drip line of the tree.  The average distance is about 2.5 times the width of the tree and some extend as far as 7 times the width.  When you think of a tree, imagine a wine goblet on a dinner plate.  That will give you some idea of the shape of the root system.  So, you have roots in your yard from many surrounding trees. If you physically cut a root, the root dies and if you cut enough, the tree dies.
Dead roots can be dug out, or be patient long enough and they will rot, but there is no way to "prevent" roots from growing into your property.
You have dirt patches because the tree roots have filled your soil space and are taking the food and water away from other plants that might try grow there.
Left to Nature, these areas would be covered with years of decomposed leaves and you'd have a woodland garden.  Jim