Walnut trees don’t just take over your yard with their massive canopy; they’re also busy claiming territory underground. Their root systems grow incredibly wide and deep, which makes removing or relocating one a real workout.
The Walnut Tree: A Serious Deep-Rooter
The walnut tree is what we call a taproot or deep-rooting tree. This means it sends down one massive main root—the taproot—straight into the earth, with smaller lateral roots branching off from there. But don’t let the term “smaller” fool you; even those side roots are incredibly strong and dive deep into the soil.
Why You Need to Get Every Last Root
If you cut down a walnut tree but leave the roots behind, don’t be surprised if you see new shoots popping up years later. To keep your garden clear, you really need to get all those roots out. Depending on how old the tree is, though, this can turn into a pretty big project.
If you’re dealing with a young walnut tree, the roots haven’t had a chance to fully establish themselves yet, so you can usually dig them out without too much trouble. But for the older, more established trees with deep, sprawling root systems? You’re going to need to bring out the heavy machinery.
How to Tackle Root Removal
The easiest way to handle this is to hire a professional, but if you’re a DIYer at heart, there are two main ways to take on a walnut stump yourself:
- Digging and Grinding
- Excavating and Sawing
Digging and Grinding
Exposing the roots and using a stump grinder is super effective, though it definitely takes some elbow grease. Here’s the game plan:
- Use a shovel or a mini-excavator to clear the dirt away and expose the root system.
- Once you can see what you’re working with, use a stump grinder to chip away at the roots piece by piece until they’re gone.
Excavating and Sawing
Another method—which is just as much work—involves a chainsaw and an excavator.
- Start by using an excavator to dig around the main root ball.
- Use a chainsaw to cut the larger roots into manageable chunks. For the smaller roots, an axe or a sharp spade should do the trick.
- Finally, pull the pieces out of the ground by hand or use the excavator to haul them away.
