Basics of Caring for and Managing Tree Roots

Tree Roots — Fenton, MO — Baumann Tree
Planting a tree can mean a large investment of time, since many trees don't grow into their potential for at least a few years. So when you plant a tree, you'll want to ensure that nothing will prevent your investment from coming to fruition.

Although you can easily see and monitor the tree's above-ground components, the roots can be a little trickier. Here are some tips to help you care for and manage the tree's root system.

Choose Location Carefully

The location of your tree (and what's nearby) can be very important because tree roots stretch out from the tree in all directions. If those roots come too close to an underground source of water, such as a septic system, they could force their way in and cause problems. Tree roots could also damage your home’s foundation.

Conversely, if you plant a drought-loving tree in a swampy area, the location could damage the tree's roots by encouraging fungal organisms that could cause root rot.

If you've recently planted a tree only to find that it's too close to a plumbing line, foundation, or other incompatible element, it's not too late. Contact your tree services company about relocating the sapling to a more auspicious location. This process starts with root pruning, followed by a waiting period for recovery so the tree will experience less transplant trauma.

The larger the tree and the longer it's had to establish itself, though, the more difficult the move will be. That's because a larger tree will have a larger root ball to move, which will require a lot more lifting and digging power.

Develop Good Watering Habits

Your watering habits can be the difference between a healthy tree with deep roots and a tree that looks healthy but depends on regular watering because its root system is shallow. One technique recommended to help your tree form deep roots is watering the tree deeply once or twice per week.

Different trees may require different amounts of water, so consult with your tree service contractor about watering schedules.

Monitor Tree and Nearby Area

One important way to minimize or prevent problems is to keep an eye on your tree and notice anything that seems to be a bit off. For instance, wilted leaves or a thinning canopy can be a sign of root rot. Some cases of root rot are fatal, but others can be successfully treated by a tree expert if caught early.

In addition to monitoring the tree for signs of root problems such as root rot, you'll also want to keep an eye out for signs that the roots could start causing problems with something else. For instance, if your tree's roots grow under a sidewalk or other paved area, they could cause bulging and cracking. You'll want to catch any issues early to minimize damage.

Deploy Barriers and Root Removal When Necessary

In some cases, your tree may grow roots in a wider circle than anticipated. Or, an especially dry year could cause its roots to become extra aggressive in their quest for water. In any case, tree roots that start to encroach on an expensive system such as your plumbing or septic system will need to be dealt with.

Your tree service professionals can help you decide which steps to take in order to keep the tree from causing damage, while still minimizing trauma to the tree. For example, in some cases you may be able to install a tree root barrier between your tree and your septic system. These can include root screens, root deflectors, or chemical inhibitors.

In other cases, you may need to remove some problematic tree roots before installing a barrier to keep them from growing back. Still, catching this type of issue early ensure that you don’t have to remove the entire tree.

These steps will help you stay on top of what's happening underground so you aren't taken by surprise if your tree suffers from root damage or tries to take over your plumbing system. Whether you need your tree irrigated, trimmed, treated for root rot, or removed, contact Baumann Tree today.

September 23, 2026
Trees are a major part of the landscape throughout St. Louis, but it isn’t always obvious when a tree needs professional attention. A tree may look healthy from a distance while damaged limbs, excessive growth, decay, or structural problems are developing. Knowing what to watch for can help St. Louis property owners address tree problems before they lead to property damage, falling limbs, or the need for more extensive work. If you notice changes in the trees around your home or business, Baumann Tree provides professional Tree Service in St. Louis, MO to help determine what your trees need.
August 19, 2026
A tree does not have to be falling over to become a concern. Sometimes the first warning is a branch scraping the roof. Other times, it is a canopy that has grown so thick it overwhelms the yard, a limb hanging above the driveway, or a tree that simply does not look as healthy as it did a few years ago. Knowing when a tree needs attention can help St. Louis property owners address problems before they become much harder to manage. Baumann Tree provides tree service, tree removal, and tree trimming in St. Louis, MO for homeowners and property owners who want to take care of troublesome trees safely and effectively. For professional tree care, call 636-375-2812. When Your Trees Start Competing With Your Property Trees and homes share the same space, and eventually that can create conflicts. A tree that was small when a home was built may now stretch across the roof, crowd a fence, block a driveway, or extend branches toward neighboring property. Mature trees can be one of the best features of a St. Louis yard, but they also require more attention as they grow. Professional tree service in St. Louis, MO can help you determine what needs to be trimmed, what should be monitored, and when removal may be the better long-term solution. Instead of treating every tree the same way, Baumann Tree can evaluate the situation and recommend an appropriate approach for the property. A Tree Doesn't Have to Be Dead to Need Removal Many people associate tree removal with completely dead trees, but there are other reasons a tree may need to come down. Its location may have become problematic, the trunk may have developed structural weakness, storm damage may have compromised major limbs, or the tree may be declining to the point that keeping it creates an unnecessary risk. With tree removal in St. Louis, MO , the surroundings matter just as much as the tree itself. Homes, garages, fences, landscaping, sidewalks, and neighboring properties can all affect how a tree should be removed. Baumann Tree can assess the tree and surrounding area before determining how to approach the job. Warning signs worth paying attention to include a new or increasing lean, large dead sections in the canopy, cracks in major limbs or the trunk, decay, broken branches that remain lodged in the tree, or noticeable changes following severe weather. If a tree on your property has you wondering whether it is still safe to keep, call 636-375-2812 and have Baumann Tree take a closer look. Tree Trimming Is About More Than Making a Tree Look Neat Trimming can dramatically change the appearance of a property, but good tree trimming should accomplish more than creating a tidy canopy. Strategic trimming can remove problematic branches, create clearance around structures, address damaged growth, and help prevent certain limbs from becoming larger concerns later. For example, you may need tree trimming in St. Louis, MO if branches are beginning to hang over your roof, interfere with a driveway or walkway, rub against one another, block visibility, or create too much weight in a particular part of the canopy. The goal is not simply to cut branches back. Trees respond to pruning, which is why knowing which branches to remove—and which ones to leave—is important. Professional trimming helps address the immediate issue while taking the overall tree into consideration. Take Another Look After a St. Louis Storm Take Another Look After a St. Louis Storm Strong winds and thunderstorms can reveal weaknesses that were easy to miss beforehand. After severe weather, take a look at the trees around your home from a safe distance. A branch may be partially broken without falling, the canopy may look noticeably different, or a tree may appear to be leaning more than it did before the storm. Damage high in the canopy can also be difficult to judge from the ground. If something looks different, having it evaluated can be a much better option than waiting to see what happens during the next round of bad weather. Give Your Trees the Attention They Need Call a certified arborist promptly if you notice sudden canopy dieback from the top down, D-shaped holes in ash bark, wilting spreading across connected trees, dark streaking under oak bark, or shepherd's crook tips on ornamental pears or crabapples. Even when symptoms seem minor, a professional inspection is worthwhile. Most tree pests target stressed trees first, making consistent care essential to prevention. Protect Your St. Louis Trees With the Right Help Sometimes a tree needs a few carefully selected branches removed. Sometimes it has reached the point where removal makes more sense. And sometimes you simply need an experienced tree professional to help you figure out which option is right. For tree service, tree removal, and tree trimming in St. Louis, MO, contact Baumann Tree. The team can help you address overgrown, damaged, declining, or inconveniently located trees and keep your property looking its best. Call Baumann Tree at 636-375-2812 today to schedule tree service in St. Louis, MO.
Man examining a leaf with brown spots, indicating disease or pest damage.
August 13, 2026
Learn tree disease treatment options for St. Louis, MO trees. Baumann Tree's ISA-certified arborist identifies EAB, oak wilt & more. Get an inspection today.
An arborist in high-visibility gear and a hard hat examines the bark of a tree trunk.
August 13, 2026
Learn why certified arborists matter for St. Louis trees. Baumann Tree offers ISA-certified expertise for safe, informed tree care. Request a quote today.
Close-up of a stump grinder machine removing a tree stump with wood chips flying in the air.
August 13, 2026
Compare stump grinding vs. full tree stump removal for your St. Louis property. Baumann Tree offers free estimates and expert service. Call today
Fallen tree causing storm damage to a residential property after severe weather
July 20, 2026
Storm damage tree service in St. Louis, MO — Baumann Tree outlines safety steps, insurance tips, and when to call. Get a free estimate today.
July 14, 2026
When homeowners and businesses need dependable tree service in St. Louis, MO , they need a company that puts safety, experience, and customer satisfaction first. Whether you're dealing with a hazardous tree, storm damage, overgrown branches, or routine tree maintenance, Baumann Tree has been providing professional tree care throughout the St. Louis area for more than 30 years with an ISA Certified Arborist on staff.
Tree stump in green grass.
June 30, 2026
Delve into the benefits of stump grinding and shrubbery removal and why it is crucial to hire a professional to do the job effectively.
June 29, 2026
Baumann Tree offers Tree Service St. Louis, Tree Removal, Tree Trimming & Certified Arborist services in St. Louis, Wildwood, Frontenac, Chesterfield & Eureka, MO. Call 636-375-2812 for expert tree care.
Person climbing a tall tree in a lush green forest, seen from behind with safety gear.
June 25, 2026
Learn why hiring a certified arborist in St. Louis, MO matters. Baumann Tree offers ISA-credentialed tree care. Call for a free estimate today.