Is it safe to remove this tree root?

[mitya]

Hi everyone,

We're trying to sort out the front garden and, after some digging, found a tree root (see picture) that runs under the concrete and potentially under the house.

We don't want to harm the tree. Given this, is it safe to remove this root? Does a tree have multiple roots and perhaps wouldn't miss this one (I'm very new to this), or would it cause damage? Is burying the root deeper a better option?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Oliver Buckle]

The tree will have other roots and will probably be fine if you cut it off where it meets the concrete, I don't think burying it deeper is a realistic option. What are you planning for the garden? Bear in mind there may be multiple roots in all directions taking moisture and goodness from the soil, and it will shade things. I don't know what the tree is, but unless it is something definitely worth having, rather than something that seeded itself, it might pay to lose the whole thing and start again with things you have chosen.

 

[mitya]

Thanks for the reply and info. Plans are flexible at the moment - we're simply at the stage of trying to tidy things up, then noticed this root protruding out under the concrete. Don't want to lose the tree entirely.

 

[kate_grey]

Thank you for the info