What to do with Live Oak roots running on the ground

[Johnny Miller]

What can I do about the roots running on the surface ground from my large live oak tree? i almost want to cut it down, but its huge already after 13 years. can i chainsaw these roots and pull them out of the ground?

[MattyF]

Not unless you would like the tree through your fence after the next big storm... you could always just mulch that area of the garden with wood chip to make them less visible , that would be the most tree friendly option.

[neiln]

If you want it down take it down.  Huge already.... It won't get smaller.

[sime42]

If you want to take the roots out I'd suggest using a Mattock because you'll knacker the chainsaw chain in no time otherwise. If the mattock is reasonably sharp it will probably be just as quick anyway; the roots will be quite soft since they are live.
Though if you do cut the roots the tree will die fairly soon afterwards, or fall over least. So you might as well use the chainsaw to cut the tree down instead.

[Ledburyjosh]

The first comment is the one to follow should you wish to retain the tree. Otherwise removing it is the other option. Which you choose is your personal preference.

I'd say if it's a nice tree, beneficial to your garden and to others who can see it, then mulch it first and see how you like it then.

Mulch can either be decorative bark or woodchip. Out it on around 100mm thick.
And maybe hold it in place with some sort of edging

[dumper]

Just remember it’s still a very small oak tree 

[Doug Tait]

That, or it's very far away.