root spreading

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I am trying to reseed a back lawn area that has roots from what I think is an acacia tree. The main root in the way is about 4 inches around, and I need to remove it about 4 yards from its' base. It has about 4 others this size I will not disturb. Can I remove this without damaging the tree?

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

There are cases of trees falling over after having one main root cut.

As a general rule is 5 time the DBH is the minimum distance for severing roots, or a tree that is 30in at 4.5 feet should not have roots cut closer then 12.5 feet.

That said, I have not seen the site and do not know the habits of acacia. Raising the grade around the root without compacting the soil is a better option in my opinion as Advocati diArbor.