Root Removal
& Grinding
Surface root grinding, invasive root removal, and foundation protection. Stop root damage before it becomes expensive infrastructure repair.
The Problem
Underground
Tree roots are doing exactly what they are designed to do — spreading out to find water and nutrients. The problem is when they find your foundation, your sewer line, your driveway, or your walkway. Massachusetts has a lot of older homes with shallow foundations and aging clay sewer pipes, both of which are targets for aggressive root systems.
Norway maples are the worst offenders in our service area. Their dense, shallow root systems crack driveways, heave sidewalks, and make lawns impossible to mow. Silver maples and willows are nearly as bad, especially near water and sewer lines. If you are seeing surface roots lifting your walkway or your plumber keeps finding roots in your pipes, the problem is the tree, not the infrastructure.
We handle root removal from surface grinding to full excavation. For trees that are otherwise healthy and worth keeping, we can selectively prune roots and install barriers to redirect growth. For trees that are causing ongoing damage, removing the tree and grinding the stump and major roots is often the most cost-effective long-term solution.
What We
Handle
Surface roots cracking driveways and walkways
Roots invading sewer lines or septic systems
Foundation damage from aggressive root systems
Root grinding after stump removal
Exposed roots creating trip hazards
Root pruning for construction clearance
Invasive species root elimination
Root barrier installation for protection
What It
Costs
$200 – $800 — based on root extent and proximity to structures.
Surface root grinding in an open lawn: $200–$400. Root removal near a driveway or walkway: $300–$600. Root excavation near foundations or sewer lines: $400–$800. We often bundle root removal with stump grinding for a package price.
Compare the cost of root management ($200–$800) to the cost of foundation repair ($5,000–$15,000) or sewer line replacement ($3,000–$10,000). Proactive root management is always the cheaper option. Free estimates — we will assess the situation and give you a firm price.
Root Removal
Service Areas
We provide root removal and grinding across all 18 towns in our service area. Click your town for local tree service details.
FAQ
How much does root removal cost?
Root removal typically costs $200-$800 depending on the extent of the root system and what infrastructure is involved. Roots near foundations, sewer lines, or driveways require more careful work and may cost more. We often combine root removal with stump grinding for a package price that saves you money.
Will removing roots kill the tree?
It depends on how much of the root system is removed. Removing roots on one side of a tree can compromise stability but usually does not kill the tree if less than 25% of the root system is affected. Removing major structural roots will likely destabilize the tree and may require full removal. We assess each situation and advise whether root pruning or tree removal is the better option.
Which tree species have the worst root problems?
Norway maple, silver maple, and willow are the most aggressive root growers in Massachusetts. Their roots crack foundations, invade sewer lines, and heave walkways. Red oak and white pine can also cause problems in tight spaces. If you have one of these species near your house, proactive root management can prevent expensive damage.
Can tree roots damage my foundation?
Yes. Tree roots follow moisture and can grow under and around foundations, especially during dry periods when roots seek water near the house. The roots themselves rarely crack concrete, but they can exploit existing cracks, displace soil, and create settling issues. Trees planted too close to foundations are the most common cause.
Do you remove roots from sewer lines?
We remove the tree roots that are invading your sewer lines from the exterior. For clearing roots inside the pipes themselves, you will need a plumber with a rooter machine. We handle the tree side — removing the offending roots and, if necessary, the tree itself to prevent recurrence.
Roots causing
problems?
Stop the damage before it gets expensive. Free assessment and estimate for root removal and management.
Free Estimates • Foundation Protection