Root Removal Question

[Shemp]

Hello all, 

New to the forum.

 

I have two 25 year old Raywood Ash trees that have surface roots that are in an area a home owner would like to landscape. They would like to add gravel and crawling type plants to this area. 

 

My question is regarding the roots. I'm not sure if or how many of these roots I could remove without harming the trees.

Attached are a few photos.

 

Thanks for any help.

 

Shemp

[Mick Dempsey]

Out of curiosity, doesn’t the city own that land?

[htb]

24 minutes ago, Mick Dempsey said:

Out of curiosity, doesn’t the city own that land?

That was my first thought.

[Shemp]

It is considered an easement, city property maintained by homeowner,

[marne]

Eventhough the roots look somewhat dead, no way I would do that job, way to risky. Just advice not to touch the roots and walk away. 

[Dan Maynard]

Don't know if this link will work for you but there's a great picture showing typical root distribution in the top layer of soil. There probably are not lots of other deep roots, so those surface roots are most likely what is holding the trees up.

 

https://www.trees.org.uk/Trees.org.uk/files/61/6181f2b7-e35d-4075-832f-5e230d16aa9e.pdf