Speaking as someone who just a day ago mangled his thumb using a table saw; when I saw Connor using a lot of force to pull the reciprocating saw towards his junk at 1:22 my toes curled at what could have happened if it slipped!
Not only his junk but his femoral artery :S I didn’t notice this until I pulled it up again. Yikes Mr. Ward please be careful. The last thing you want is to bleed out due to some cotton wood trees.
Great idea! So many different ways to take care of this problem, but the method shown by Connor Ward turned out to be the easiest for me. Here's a few tips to make this sweaty process a little easier. 1. Dig the best you can all around the sides of the root and even a foot or two past where the root surfaces, (where the root remains just an inch or two below ground level). You don't need to dig under the root. Put the shovelfuls of dirt into a wheel barrow to help backfill the ditch when you're done. You'll need all of it. 2. Use a leaf blower to remove the lose dirt so you can clearly see the size of the root, uncover branching roots and see where you might want to dig some more. 3. Now, using a pair of simple bypass-type pruning shears, snip the smaller roots, (one inch or less) which spread out from the main root to make extraction easier. 4. I used the 9 inch, 5 TPI Reciprocating Saw Pruning Blades from Harbor Freight. Five blades for ten bucks. No sense using better quality blades for this job since the dirt you'll go through will quickly dull even the most expensive blades. 5. You can buy longer blades made for cutting wood, but I've found they will dull quickly as compared to the pruning blades. 6. After a few cuts you'll be able to feel when the blade has severed the root and you're beginning to enter the dirt. That's when you stop. 7. You'll know the blade is dull and useless when you see blue smoke arise from the cutting area rather than sawdust! Time to change blades. 8. With larger roots more than 4 inches in diameter, it's easier to cut the root into shorter sections of no more than three feet long so you don't have to pry and yank up such a large piece, (with all the smaller hidden roots you can't see) all at once. 9. Next, at either end of the cut root section, use a shovel, pry bar, iron pipe or even a good 2x4 to lever the root out of the ground. A narrow trenching shovel is better for this purpose than a regular round shovel. 10. After all of the offending root(s) have been removed and you've filled the trench with the dirt you've set aside in the wheel barrow, you'll still need to provide more dirt to replace the area where the root used to be. 11. Tamp down the filled area, sprinkle some seed, cover it and water the area. Crack open a cold beer and you're done.
dude, you just made my day! I've been putting this off for the lack of knowledge on how to and what's the easiest way to do it without breaking my back and this is just freakin' awesome! Thanks. Subscribed!
Thanks Connor. I have lived in your area and now north of you. I had to take our the tree before my lawn suckers would stop. I tried everything before taking the trees. We just have to accept that trees are prolific opportunistic growers. Anywhere there is water the roots will find it and eventually take over your lawn. Take out the tree and the suckers stop!
I had a 1600 sqft section of lawn that constantly gave me trouble with roots. I finally had someone come in an rip it up with a bobcat down to 3 inches. It was all roots and rocks. Got rid of everything and added 30 yards of topsoil leveled everything off and have beautiful grass growing. Keep up the good work, Mr. Ward.
Such a simple solution. Thank you for bringing it up. I’ve avoided even buying a reel mower because of some of the exposed tree roots from the maple in our front yard. Just another great video. Keep it up, Connor! 👍🏻
This is a great tool for cutting roots. I have found (for me) the best blade to use is a "pruning blade". Since I'm a landscaper, I buy the bulk packs. Typically "Skill" brand, but there are others including "Dewalt".
I had the same Idea & just bought a sawsall with pruning blades. So many others say doing this will weaken & possibly kill the tree.... Not sure which way to go at this point
wOw this really saved the day for me and now i will be able to get the roots out and now i can save some time while clearing these roots out and now i am so thanksful for you so thank you
Trench the tree line at a depth of about 24" and add aluminum flashing so the roots shoot out towards the street. It could also serve as drainage to your water basin.
Even easier, use a sacrificial chain on a 16" (or 20") chainsaw and severe the roots about 3’ from tree line. Optionally insert into resulting groove a thin board wrapped in weedblock.
It's very obvious this is a "teaser" video. We are on the channel for the lawn, and you gave us just a glimpse. But we saw it in the background and its looking amazing. Can't wait to see how the front is healing up. Good stuff!
Lol I think you needed to say it’s so satisfying a few more times. I would have just put down more top soil, seeded, and then put straw on top to call it a day. You would have taken care of the root problem and saved the trees.
As the country is a train wreck and cities are on fire we have Connor Ward cutting roots. That's somehow satisfying to watch. It's entertaining andnlooking forwarded to the next mow. LOL! Thank you Connor
seems good for small roots .some guy used a diamond flat surface grinder for stonework to grind them off it works great at getting rid of large roots..
If you do this I'd still call 411 first. It's very unlikely you will cut anything because pipes and wires should be buried far below a blade's length, but you should still error on the side of caution. Old sprinklers systems may be close to the ground.
SoI will tell you from experience this works good for smaller roots on ground that has good soil. However in my case I had large pine tree roots in rocky ground. It will still work but takes longer, more blades and your hands will swell due to the vibration! I like to use a maul and lopers.
Tree roots occur in the top 23" of soil, because they need oxygen. When they show up in the grass, it's because the ground is too compact and rocky, and they are unable to get water and oxygen otherwise. So while a deep enough steel plate would provide an effective barrier, the tree would eventually suffocate. The better alternative is to excavate and pour top soil where you want the root system to grow, before the tree is planted.
You may want to get rid of the trees. They can and will mess up the foundation of your home if the roots start growing towards the house. Not to mention every root is a potential new tree. I am dealing with the same problem with my neighbors cottonwood. It was chopped down about 6 months ago but the roots keep trying to sprout in my yard.
Waiting for the next vid when a bunch of suckers pop up from pieces of root left in the ground… I have this problem with Chinese pistachio trees, just when you think you’ve got rid of them, they pop out of the ground again calling out “sucker!” We don’t control nature, she just toys with us.
I would love to do this. My only problem is that the tree roots belong to the trees in my neighbors yard. If I cut them and the tree dies and my neighbor finds out they can sue me.
Do a heavy topdress on just that area a few times through the season and you should eventually be able to cover them. I'm not a how to guy either but I'm 99.9% confident that that will work.
Wonder if a physical barrier would help with the tree roots invading into the lawn. Maybe some 6 inch steel edging installed fully into the ground so the top is flush with the soil. I don’t know much about cottonwood trees if they would just burrow under, but the roots seem fairly shallow.
Excuse me Lawn Rebel. Can you tell me what electric gadget you used to cut the roots from the ground? Or if you can provide a link. Looks freekin awesome. I could use one of those please.
Also, this video was too short. Honestly Mr. Ward I’m 40 yo in the process of purchasing my first property. Not only are your videos informative for me, they are relaxing. With all the news and chaos around watching videos like yours, Pete, Knorr and Hane help me relax and enjoy something peaceful rather than riots and viruses. I’m sure I’m not the only person. Sorry to get all serious.
Get yourself some Norwegian Spruce or Scots Pine to replace those trees. Plant them now and they’ll be nicely mature in time to fell those trees you have in a few years!
This is brilliant! I can’t believe I never thought of this. I’m totally going to try this. In past I was always put top soil over raised roots like that and tried to thicken the lawn. I don’t think this would cause irreparable damage to the tree 🌳 they have many roots and cutting one or two won’t kill them
What bigger older trees in dirt that’s dryer than yours. There’s a home we just bought but the tree near the driveway and cement walkway are lifted a bit due to the roots
You have to understand- Connor doesn’t want to damage it, but at the same time deep down he does - because then he’ll get to fix it. People who love lawn care are perpetually conflicted.
I have done this many times. It’s the best solution I’ve found.
It does work well
Speaking as someone who just a day ago mangled his thumb using a table saw; when I saw Connor using a lot of force to pull the reciprocating saw towards his junk at 1:22 my toes curled at what could have happened if it slipped!
Lol, I commented the same “you cut toward your crotch...”
Not only his junk but his femoral artery :S I didn’t notice this until I pulled it up again. Yikes Mr. Ward please be careful. The last thing you want is to bleed out due to some cotton wood trees.
omg i was thinking the same. he was handling the saw like a plastic toy
You type well for a guy with a mangled thumb!! Lol
Sorry to hear it. Hope you heal up.
He is a moron for sure
What a great how to video video created by the one and only Connor Ward.
Great idea! So many different ways to take care of this problem, but the method shown by Connor Ward turned out to be the easiest for me. Here's a few tips to make this sweaty process a little easier.
1. Dig the best you can all around the sides of the root and even a foot or two past where the root surfaces, (where the root remains just an inch or two below ground level). You don't need to dig under the root. Put the shovelfuls of dirt into a wheel barrow to help backfill the ditch when you're done. You'll need all of it.
2. Use a leaf blower to remove the lose dirt so you can clearly see the size of the root, uncover branching roots and see where you might want to dig some more.
3. Now, using a pair of simple bypass-type pruning shears, snip the smaller roots, (one inch or less) which spread out from the main root to make extraction easier.
4. I used the 9 inch, 5 TPI Reciprocating Saw Pruning Blades from Harbor Freight. Five blades for ten bucks. No sense using better quality blades for this job since the dirt you'll go through will quickly dull even the most expensive blades.
5. You can buy longer blades made for cutting wood, but I've found they will dull quickly as compared to the pruning blades.
6. After a few cuts you'll be able to feel when the blade has severed the root and you're beginning to enter the dirt. That's when you stop.
7. You'll know the blade is dull and useless when you see blue smoke arise from the cutting area rather than sawdust! Time to change blades.
8. With larger roots more than 4 inches in diameter, it's easier to cut the root into shorter sections of no more than three feet long so you don't have to pry and yank up such a large piece, (with all the smaller hidden roots you can't see) all at once.
9. Next, at either end of the cut root section, use a shovel, pry bar, iron pipe or even a good 2x4 to lever the root out of the ground. A narrow trenching shovel is better for this purpose than a regular round shovel.
10. After all of the offending root(s) have been removed and you've filled the trench with the dirt you've set aside in the wheel barrow, you'll still need to provide more dirt to replace the area where the root used to be.
11. Tamp down the filled area, sprinkle some seed, cover it and water the area. Crack open a cold beer and you're done.
Thanks
Thank you for the additional tips!
OUCH!!!OWL OWL!!! ...🤣🤣🤣I laughed outloud ...connor pulling roots again 🤣🤣🤣🤣...its always the best !!!
dude, you just made my day! I've been putting this off for the lack of knowledge on how to and what's the easiest way to do it without breaking my back and this is just freakin' awesome! Thanks. Subscribed!
I don't know why I am also feeling satisfied seeing you getting the roots out. Impressive.
Thanks Connor. I have lived in your area and now north of you. I had to take our the tree before my lawn suckers would stop. I tried everything before taking the trees. We just have to accept that trees are prolific opportunistic growers. Anywhere there is water the roots will find it and eventually take over your lawn. Take out the tree and the suckers stop!
Perfect timing video sir, why hadn’t I thought of this? Just de-rooted my lawn. Thank you 🙏
I had a 1600 sqft section of lawn that constantly gave me trouble with roots. I finally had someone come in an rip it up with a bobcat down to 3 inches. It was all roots and rocks. Got rid of everything and added 30 yards of topsoil leveled everything off and have beautiful grass growing. Keep up the good work, Mr. Ward.
Was it expensive?
Hope your hand makes a speedy recovery 👍 . Pretty smart way to remove roots for sure 👍
This has literally changed my life! I’m going out with the saws-all tomorrow! 😂 Seriously, great info. Thanks!
Yes. Changed mine as well
Such a simple solution. Thank you for bringing it up. I’ve avoided even buying a reel mower because of some of the exposed tree roots from the maple in our front yard. Just another great video. Keep it up, Connor! 👍🏻
I know that you work so hard on your lawn, but there is something oddly satisfying watching you pull roots out of the turf.
yeah... its ultra satisfying.
This is a great tool for cutting roots. I have found (for me) the best blade to use is a "pruning blade". Since I'm a landscaper, I buy the bulk packs. Typically "Skill" brand, but there are others including "Dewalt".
I had the same Idea & just bought a sawsall with pruning blades. So many others say doing this will weaken & possibly kill the tree.... Not sure which way to go at this point
@@karaokekid66did you ever do it?
The red Diablo pruning blades and the red Milwaukee Sawzall are a marriage made in heaven. So satisfying.
I wish I could hit that thumbs up button a thousand times. I’m so getting a sawsall now!
Thank you. Thank you !
I spent a whole day with an axe getting rid of roots and some tree stumps. Was a ton of work and a big mess but I got a lot done
Holy hell i was trying to figure out how to do this with my lawn..never thought of a sawsall..👍👍..cheers
As always, Connor has the best footwear in the lawn care game.
wOw this really saved the day for me and now i will be able to get the roots out and now i can save some time while clearing these roots out and now i am so thanksful for you so thank you
Tool Rebel, always has the right tool for the job, never misused. Darn trees, having roots, how dare they?
That was smooth like butter 👍I wish my roots I took out was that easy but it was a living nightmare 🤦♂️
Trench the tree line at a depth of about 24" and add aluminum flashing so the roots shoot out towards the street. It could also serve as drainage to your water basin.
This is a good idea
Awesome idea
Wouldnt the roots eventually just go under the flashing and come up the other side?
Even easier, use a sacrificial chain on a 16" (or 20") chainsaw and severe the roots about 3’ from tree line. Optionally insert into resulting groove a thin board wrapped in weedblock.
The reciprocating saw is a perfect tool to cut the tree roots under the ground. I have used lots around my house.
I guess you could say you’re really getting to the root of the problem. I’ll see myself out.
I was rooting for you the entire video! 🤭
I see what you did there 😉
Punny 😂
Sitting astraddle and pulling that saw sharply towards his groin- i thought he was going to remove his own "root."
Be careful Connor.
I thought the same - Christ!
It's very obvious this is a "teaser" video. We are on the channel for the lawn, and you gave us just a glimpse. But we saw it in the background and its looking amazing. Can't wait to see how the front is healing up. Good stuff!
Man I love your videos, I need more neighbors like you.
I like using this method. You can also push down trees like a giant if you cut them all.
Looking forward to next year's video on removing dead Cottonwood trees.
Ah hah haaaaa! I don't think he'd care 🤷♀️😅
😂
😂 LOL 🤣🤣🤣🤣
LMAO this video is actually comedy gold
Lol I think you needed to say it’s so satisfying a few more times. I would have just put down more top soil, seeded, and then put straw on top to call it a day. You would have taken care of the root problem and saved the trees.
Standard safety approach no PPE and and trying to cut yourself in two 😂😂 keep up the good work
I just did a mess of roots from my willow tree. the new Diablo blades made it so simple.
Is there a way to detect the exact formation of the root system ?
This is so satisfying. 😂 Especially cause it's gonna save me a bunch of time this weekend.
yeah.. sawzall is the way to go.
What size/brand of blade were you using? I'd like to give this method a try.
@@yonahschlesinger3815 long blade. Not sure the length
That is awesome. Thanks for the idea, I need to remove a few!
You are awesome. You have no idea how much i needed this video. Thanks & keep up the good work.
That she shed is looking great there in the background.
As the country is a train wreck and cities are on fire we have Connor Ward cutting roots. That's somehow satisfying to watch. It's entertaining andnlooking forwarded to the next mow. LOL! Thank you Connor
seems good for small roots .some guy used a diamond flat surface grinder for stonework to grind them off it works great at getting rid of large roots..
Will the tree die now?
You did a great job. So satisfying to watch!
Thank you. I didn't know i could stick my saw down in the soil to cut the roots.
Good idea, I got the same problem with spruce trees. got a Saws-all soo,, here we go, thanks
I'm in the mood for ice cream now. 🤔
That forearm grip tho.... 😘
Lol. Just about peed myself and had to watch it three more times right at 2:30. Sucks that you hurt yourself but it made me laugh. Dang roots!
this was great, yeah some parts a little dangerous lol , but you got it done and your attitude is great, just be careful. great vid loved it.
A lot better way than previous years😎👊Excellent!
Pisser offer if I ever saw one. Looks like you're popping a zit, but in the grass. Satisfying to watch.
After watching a recent lawncare vid about removing root balls from tree saplings and shrubs in mulch beds, I knew there would be a saw involved.
If you do this I'd still call 411 first. It's very unlikely you will cut anything because pipes and wires should be buried far below a blade's length, but you should still error on the side of caution. Old sprinklers systems may be close to the ground.
SoI will tell you from experience this works good for smaller roots on ground that has good soil. However in my case I had large pine tree roots in rocky ground. It will still work but takes longer, more blades and your hands will swell due to the vibration! I like to use a maul and lopers.
Christ, I didn't even think to use the sawzall... Genius!
I'm so excited for 2023 when the she shed is complete!!! #rebelsdon'twearwatches
Tree roots occur in the top 23" of soil, because they need oxygen. When they show up in the grass, it's because the ground is too compact and rocky, and they are unable to get water and oxygen otherwise. So while a deep enough steel plate would provide an effective barrier, the tree would eventually suffocate. The better alternative is to excavate and pour top soil where you want the root system to grow, before the tree is planted.
That makes sense, we have trash clay soil out here
I'm in the process of doing same task. I used a ax & shovel.
You may want to get rid of the trees. They can and will mess up the foundation of your home if the roots start growing towards the house. Not to mention every root is a potential new tree. I am dealing with the same problem with my neighbors cottonwood. It was chopped down about 6 months ago but the roots keep trying to sprout in my yard.
Waiting for the next vid when a bunch of suckers pop up from pieces of root left in the ground… I have this problem with Chinese pistachio trees, just when you think you’ve got rid of them, they pop out of the ground again calling out “sucker!” We don’t control nature, she just toys with us.
Great how to get rid of roots in the lawn video Connor! Going to grab the sawzall right now!!
Holy moly! This is ultra satisfying!
Not much of a Safety Sally, but damn you’re careless with that saw! 🤣
😂 I was quoted 200$ for the same amount of roots lol took me 15mins thanks
I would love to do this. My only problem is that the tree roots belong to the trees in my neighbors yard. If I cut them and the tree dies and my neighbor finds out they can sue me.
This was ultra satisfying! I have two roots to remove, but unfortunately they are much bigger. One caused me to get a new rider mowing blade. 😮
Do a heavy topdress on just that area a few times through the season and you should eventually be able to cover them. I'm not a how to guy either but I'm 99.9% confident that that will work.
Will it grow back? Are there any long term cons to doing it this way ??
That IS satisfying - doing this in my front yard too now
Great solution to a long time problem! 😎👍 Thanks and you're welcome. 😉
You crack me up dude. Love your not "how to" videos.
Thank you sir 🙏 - great tips 👍 Ultra satisfying and those roots are out! 🌲
need more if this connor
More root pulling or more vids
Holy cow thats awesome!! Ow ow ow ow ow! Good stuff
I have a large old oak.root raised a driveway spot. Im wondering if i cut it , will the tree be damaged
Very great way to get though stubborn roots.
Wonder if a physical barrier would help with the tree roots invading into the lawn. Maybe some 6 inch steel edging installed fully into the ground so the top is flush with the soil. I don’t know much about cottonwood trees if they would just burrow under, but the roots seem fairly shallow.
Brilliant idea!!! Wish I could do that to the knobs from a cypress tree in my yard.
Excuse me Lawn Rebel. Can you tell me what electric gadget you used to cut the roots from the ground? Or if you can provide a link. Looks freekin awesome. I could use one of those please.
Also, this video was too short. Honestly Mr. Ward I’m 40 yo in the process of purchasing my first property. Not only are your videos informative for me, they are relaxing. With all the news and chaos around watching videos like yours, Pete, Knorr and Hane help me relax and enjoy something peaceful rather than riots and viruses. I’m sure I’m not the only person. Sorry to get all serious.
Try to keep the blade only on the root as much as possible otherwise the soil will dull it very quickly. I’ve been doing this for years.
Will cutting the roots kill the tree?
I’ve got some 4 in diameter root that are driving me crazy but we don’t want to damage the life of the tree
What kind/power of Sawzall are you using and what blade?
I do the same thing, also wear gloves, it saved my hands several times.
What a great idea.
That really is so satisfying...
I harrowed for days on my acerage, never had a problem
Get yourself some Norwegian Spruce or Scots Pine to replace those trees. Plant them now and they’ll be nicely mature in time to fell those trees you have in a few years!
How about spreading a layer of dirt and grass seed over your existing lawn? 😊
I am having the same problem with my lawn. Will this harm the tree much?
Thank you for this video!!! It helped me out big time!
So freaking satisfying 🤣
Doesn't take much to 'amaze' this guy, does it?
This is brilliant! I can’t believe I never thought of this. I’m totally going to try this. In past I was always put top soil over raised roots like that and tried to thicken the lawn. I don’t think this would cause irreparable damage to the tree 🌳 they have many roots and cutting one or two won’t kill them
The ground seem soft from a previous rain. Makes it easier to cut.
What bigger older trees in dirt that’s dryer than yours. There’s a home we just bought but the tree near the driveway and cement walkway are lifted a bit due to the roots
Boss did these roots come back or spread even more
I have aspen suckers roots in my garden😫
Connor: "I don't wan't to damage it to bad"
Also Connor: *proceeds to cut through grass for no reason*
You have to understand- Connor doesn’t want to damage it, but at the same time deep down he does - because then he’ll get to fix it. People who love lawn care are perpetually conflicted.
A Grayson I know, it’s just funny to see on video when you don’t know what he’s thinking. ( but still respect your reply)
ZF_Phoenix haha, agreed.
Connor is not precious about his lawn at all. That's what I love about him. It's always fixable and he enjoys the fixing.
Love the video where u get to cutting tool from??
I've heard that a pruning blade works well. 💪