Cutting Deep: How to Use a Chainsaw for Roots Safely and Effectively
Introduction
Chopping firewood, pruning overgrown limbs, and felling trees are the usual activities that people associate with chainsaws. While these activities are indeed compatible with chainsaws, one of the most overlooked uses of chainsaws in landscaping is cutting through roots. If you have ever struggled with a stubborn root that belittles your efforts with a shovel and does a number on your axe, you understand perfectly.
We will address in this article the most important aspects of chainsaws and root cutting, including the very best practices in cutting them safely and effectively without putting your equipment through unnecessary wear and tear.
Why Roots Are Different From Wood
From a distance, roots seem identical to branches. Same material, same density, right? Definitely not. Roots are a whole different beast:
Soil Packed Fibers: roots differ significantly from clean wood. Roots will take in dirt, soil, and very fine stones. Think of roots as wood that is also sandpaper.
Twisted grain: Roots grow unpredictably, curling and splitting in odd directions. This makes them tougher to slice smoothly.
Moisture Levels: freshly excavated roots are wet and at times slimy. Brittle roots, on the other hand, will be fragile and break easily and dry.
When Should You Use a Chainsaw for Roots?
Not all root jobs can be done with a chainsaw. But there are instances when it's the only option for the job.
Tree stump removal: You can cut through the roots of the stump instead of painstakingly digging around them.
Landscaping projects: Do you need to install a patio, walkway, or garden bed? Roots will not be a hindrance.
Emergency work: A chainsaw can be very effective in quickly accessing roots that block repair work in drains or have damaged a foundation.
Clearing storm damage: Cutting spiralled roots also helps in clearing fallen trees and other debris.
A chainsaw will be the most effective tool to use when the root in question is thicker than a person’s wrist.
Selecting a Chainsaw for Roots
Now this is the part where a lot of DIYers mess up. Roots are very harsh, and the wrong chainsaw can get destroyed. Not all chainsaws are made for underground work. Here are some key points to think about:
Gas vs. Electric: Gas models give more power for large roots, but for smaller roots, electric models (corded or battery) are easier to carry.
Bar length: A 12–16-inch bar works perfectly. Longer than that, and you’ll find it hard to work in tight soil pockets.
Budget: If you’re going to use it heavily, get a mid-range priced one. But for one-time use, there are chainsaws available for under $200 that get the work done.
💡 Pro tip: Keep a dedicated “root chain” (a chain that you do not care about losing sharpness) for this work, and it will serve you well.
Post-root cutting maintenance
Sawing soil will exert far more force on a chainsaw than cutting logs. Here's a deeper dive for maintenance after a root-cutting session:
Clean more than usual: Soil is extremely sticky. Wash the bar and chain with hot water and soap. For the really caked-on mud, the use of a rough scrubbing brush is helpful.
Expect your chain to wear fast. If roots are your primary target, consider a lower-priced replacement chain or keep a spare sharpened chain on hand.
Gas saw users, pay attention to the air filter. When working near the ground, dust and grit can easily penetrate.
Electric users, wipe the contacts. A moist soil environment can cause corrosion over time.
Dirt and roots clog the oil ports, and without proper lubrication, your saw will age rapidly.
Like washing mud off your hiking boots, ignoring these small maintenance rituals creates long-term damage. Neglect it a second time, and you will be out searching for a new saw.
DIY Chainsaw Guide from the Pros
Root cutting comes with a few golden rules by seasoned landscapers and arborists:
Two chains, two purposes: Designate a sharp chain for clean wood, and another dirty work for dirty work.
Go section by section: Instead of hacking away at a massive root, slice it up first into smaller pieces.
Hydrate dry fibers: Soak a dry root with water before cutting to make the fibers easier to slice.
Protective gear is non-negotiable: Essentials like gloves, steel-toe boots, chaps, and eye protection.
Consider trying a root-cutting blade: A few chainsaw brands have blades designed to cut through soil contamination more effectively.
These factors aren’t added extras. They make chainsaw work easier rather than harder.
The Safety Factor You Can’t Ignore
A chainsaw is dangerous enough. Adding the more challenging work of cutting underground increases the risks even more. This is exactly why chainsaw work safety gear is a must:
Debris: The soil, gravel, and even bark dust have the capability of blasting at a rapid speed, which can potentially injure the eyes; goggles defend the eyes.
Chain kickback: Roots have the tendency to pinch chains, which increases the likelihood of kickback, which is already dangerous in the first place.
Hidden Difficulties: Items like nails, pipes, or even stones that are buried in the soil can come to a complete halt. Gloves, along with chaps, help to reduce the injury risks.
Being on the ground can make a person tired; movement while injured is difficult.
The Bottom line is treat root cutting as a dangerous sport and make sure you are safe to play.
Using a Chainsaw to Remove Roots vs Traditional Techniques
The more traditional approaches are less efficient; let me explain why.
Axe: These can be productive; however, they can be painfully sore while doing so.
Hand root saw: very effective at cutting through thin roots, very ineffective on more robust roots.
Shovels and picks: work efficiently on small roots, but fail at the bigger roots.
The chainsaw for roots especially shines when speed and productivity are of the utmost importance. Instead of spending hours of painstaking labor, you can be finished in a matter of minutes.
A Word on Sustainability
While powerful, chainsaw usage is not the most eco-friendly tackle. If you are working on the roots of a tree in a garden or a landscaped yard, do the job with eco-friendly cutting tools.
For example:
While not in use, keep your battery-powered saws topped up with solar chargers.
Instead of tossing them, compost small root sections.
Avoid over-cutting; whenever possible, leave healthy roots undisturbed to protect trees and soil stability. This enables you to tackle the landscaping problem sustainably without adding unnecessary emissions or waste.
Best Chainsaws for Roots in 2025
If you’re shopping for a saw this year, here are some top picks:
EGO Power+ 16-Inch Cordless Chainsaw – Great balance of power and portability.
Husqvarna 120 Mark II Gas Chainsaw – Affordable gas option for tougher jobs.
DeWalt 20V Max XR Mini Chainsaw – Compact and effective for shallow roots.
Greenworks 14-Inch Cordless – Budget-friendly, low-maintenance electric.
Stihl MS 170 – Trusted entry-level gas saw with durability for root jobs.
Real-World Example: Backyard Patio Project
Suppose you are working on a stone patio installation. You have excavated most of the dirt; however, three stout roots crisscross the space. Axes are exhaustive, and shovels are far too slow, so use a chainsaw for the problem.
Within 10 minutes, all of the roots have been cut to manageable sizes, and the soil has been evened out. Instead of a weekend headache, working on it all, now it’s just an afternoon job.
This is the amazing, and in this case, truly life-saving time and labour efficiency that has homeowners singing the praises of this technique.
For more in-depth guides and pro tricks, you can always check out Chainsawtips, where safety, maintenance, and cutting techniques are broken down in detail.
Conclusion
The next time you encounter tangle roots that are stubborn to deal with, there is no need to waste time with a handsaw or axe. If you have the proper preparation, the right safety gear, the right chain, and most importantly, a chainsaw for roots, the job that once was described as gruelling is now effortless.
But as with other physical tasks, increases in efficiency are not the only area that should be considered:
Make sure to maintain and clean your gear after every use.
Keep a spare chain meant for unforgiving tasks.
Do not cut corners on PPE.
If you respect the risks, then the rewards will follow.
With a chainsaw in hand, everything is solvable. No longer should roots be seen as obstacles. Gardening and landscaping are meant to be rewarding, not fought with.
