When most people think of reciprocating saws, they think of the powerful handheld tools used for demolition and construction. But what if you could use a reciprocating saw to cut tree roots?
You can use a reciprocating saw to cut down the roots and other shrubs that are buried, first you have to determine the length and then chose the right blade that can cut the root easily.
Believe it or not, this is actually a thing! In this blog post, we will explore how to use a reciprocating saw to cut tree roots safely and efficiently.
What Is A Reciprocating Saw Anyway? While many people associate reciprocating saws with heavy-duty construction use and demolition, the tool can be used for a wide variety of purposes.
A reciprocating saw is basically just an electric or gas-powered circular saw mounted on a long metal shaft. The setup allows you to cut objects while standing upright, which is perfect for cutting tree roots.
Why Cut Tree Roots? Cutting tree roots may seem like a strange thing to do, but there are actually a few reasons why you might need or want to do this.
One common reason is that tree roots can damage sidewalks, driveways, and other concrete structures. If the roots are left to grow unchecked, they can eventually cause the concrete to crack and break.
This is a pretty common problem in older homes with large trees growing nearby. Another reason why homeowners may want to cut tree roots is that they can interfere with drainage systems and septic tanks.
In some cases, these things are so bad that it makes sense to actually remove the tree entirely. But if you’re not ready to go that far, cutting the roots is a good way to mitigate the problem.
Here I am using this Skil 9206-02 7.5-Amp Variable Speed Reciprocating Saw for this process, you can also have a look if you are searching for one.
Disclosure: Some of the links below may be affiliate links.
How To Cut Tree Roots With A Reciprocating Saw
- The first thing you need to do is find the roots that you want to cut. This can be done by gently digging around the base of the tree, or you can use a metal detector.
- You will want to dig down until you reach the root that is causing you problems.
- The next step is to measure the length of the root and mark it with a pencil.
- Once the length has been determined, make several vertical slices in the marked area, working your way down towards the ground as far as you need to go.
- Be sure to wear gloves and eye protection while you are doing this. Now it’s time to start cutting!
- Begin by inserting the blade of your reciprocating saw into one of the vertical slices. Then, simply start the saw and guide it through the root.
- Be sure to cut slowly and steadily, as going too fast can damage the saw blade. The blades on a reciprocating saw are designed to cut through wood, so you should be able to make short work of even very tough tree roots.
- When you’re done cutting the root, use a shovel or similar tool to dig out the root and dispose of it. Then, clean up any debris that was created by your cutting efforts.
That concludes our guide for using a reciprocating saw to cut tree roots! Follow these steps, and you will be able to remove troublesome tree roots with ease.