What is the best way to dig through tree roots ?

[CaptainClad5]

I was out MD the other day and had a few good finds. The property had 4 very large maple trees . I had three different spots where I got a great signal . Due to the large roots I was unable to retrieve the targets. Any tips on how to cut through roots ? What are good tools for getting through them without damaging the lawn ?

 

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[DDancer]

Depends on how heavy the roots are and how much top soil you have to remove. If it looks like its going to be a difficult retrieval I use a good steak knife and take the grass and soil off in a slab, carefully set it aside and then use the knife as a saw for roots less than 3/4 inch in diameter. Be very careful, gloves are a very good idea.
Removing small bits of root wont hurt the tree. Any soil carefully set it aside. Use your probe *I use an old screw driver* to loosen the soil and scoop it out as you work around the bigger roots. Takes time but doesn't it all Unfortunately if the root mass is to heavy or your just making a mess you might have to give up on the target.

 

[EagleDown]

I was out MD the other day and had a few good finds. The property had 4 very large maple trees . I had three different spots where I got a great signal . Due to the large roots I was unable to retrieve the targets. Any tips on how to cut through roots ? What are good tools for getting through them without damaging the lawn ?

I use a dry-wall saw. They're long enough and thin. They also taper down to a point. (So they can be poked through dry-wall to start the cut). You can pick them up at HomeDepot or Lowes for less than $10.00. I've used mine to cut through 3" oak roots.
Husky 6 in. Jab Saw with Scabbard-45410 at The Home Depot

 

[travelerga]

back hoe or bull dozer works for me.

 

[DDancer]

travel : Hehh hehh.... I think they want to keep the front yard not landscape it

 

[Terry Soloman]

Also, be sure you are not detecting a mineral-rich root! Roots themselves can set off your detector!

 

[wvplug]

Backhoes and chainsaws are the best. But I hear ya!! I have come to the conclusion that there are targets that just can't be reached in certain areas because of tree roots. Unless real excavation type activities are allowed there with always be times they can't be reached.

 

[Fletch88]

The 31" Lesche Sampson T handle is a good digging tool for rooty areas. If you're talking a root the size of your wrist though, just dig down beside it and then dig underneath root.

 

[BryanM362]

back hoe or bull dozer works for me.

Ric Savage, is that you?

 

[Normsel]

To me it's not worth the effort unless the root is smaller than 1/4". I figure if the tree is large any coin under the roots is to hard to get to. Most coins have I found at trees are pocket drops from sitting under the tree.

I like to hunt with as few tools as possible. Meaning just a lesche and pro pointer. I know some guys wear harnesses with pouches and attach small shovels and little saws for roots etc but they become heavy very quick. At 69 years old i get tired soon enough without carrying a bunch of unneeded tools.

I hunt because i enjoy but i don't let the hunt consume me. I find enough without trying to dig every possible target such as coins under tree roots. If i go out a cpl hours a day 5 days a week I average about $100 in clad per month. In the last 21 hunts I have $86.44 in clad

 

[extractor]

I was out MD the other day and had a few good finds. The property had 4 very large maple trees . I had three different spots where I got a great signal . Due to the large roots I was unable to retrieve the targets. Any tips on how to cut through roots ? What are good tools for getting through them without damaging the lawn ?

Get a Cable saw that has diamond dust in the cable.

 

[dirtdigginfool]

If Im in somebodys yard, or any other location that has some aesthetic value, I try to get around the roots best I can without cutting any. I would certainly hate to have Mr/Mrs homeowner creep up on me to check my progress and Im in the process of cutting their River Birch down from the roots. However..deep woods..nobody around...and its a "go" signal, I use my Lesche with the serrated edge, and if I cant get though it, I go around it. ddf

 

[Keppy]

Also, be sure you are not detecting a mineral-rich root! Roots themselves can set off your detector!

.. Terry is right about Roots making your detector sound off.. and all that is there is tree roots…..BUT the best tool i have found for roots is this land scape trowel from .. AM Leonard This digger is heavier and stronger than any digger i have ever owned it cuts through roots like they were hot butter… www.amleo.com USA made right here in OHIO