In article ,
Alan Secker alan(delete this wrote:
One of my silver birch trees has developed a surface root that
has ruined my 'lawn'. I read that they develop 'later in life'.( I
assume it is the tree's life).

I would like to remove it.

Firstly, wil the rest of the root system
be able to compensate?

Unless the tree is already dying, with no problem!

Secondly, can anyone suggest how I might go about it?

Rather closer to the tree than it comes to the surface, dig down
and cut it off with an axe. I can't tell you whether painting
the end or not is better, but DON'T leave a cut end uncovered by
earth. And don't do that in spring.


Regards,
Nick Maclaren.