For homeowners
Can I remove a tree, roots and all, near my house?
Short answer
You can remove the tree, but taking out every root near a house is usually not wise. Most crews cut the tree down and grind the stump. Big roots are often left to rot. Digging them out can harm your foundation and buried lines, so call 811 before any digging.
By Umair Nawaz. Published October 25, 2026. General information, not legal, tax or insurance advice.
The longer answer
Removing a tree and removing its roots are two different jobs. The crew first takes the tree down. Then the stump can be ground below the soil. Stump grinding takes out the stump and the roots close to it, but not the whole root system, which can reach far past the trunk.
Left in the ground, roots slowly rot. This is normal and usually fine. The exception is when roots are lifting a patio, driveway or pipe. Then a contractor may need to cut or dig out those roots. Digging near a foundation is risky because you can disturb the soil under it, so ask a professional first.
Before anyone digs or grinds, call 811, the free national call-before-you-dig number. They send people to mark buried gas, water, power and communication lines. Do this a few days ahead.
Ask the company what the quote includes: grinding, how deep, root removal, fill dirt and cleanup. Get it in writing.
Do not run a stump grinder or dig out large roots yourself near the house. Hire a pro. This is a short explanation, not legal advice.
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Plain guides for homeowners
Safety first: stay away from downed power lines and call the utility; call 911 if anyone is in danger. Lirevon does not do tree work. Find local pros on Google Maps and read their reviews, then get two or three written quotes.
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