Tree Root Removal
in Golden, CO

Tree roots grow toward underground moisture. In Golden and Jefferson County, older neighborhoods with mature trees commonly have sewer lines that have developed small cracks, shifted joints, or corroded sections over decades underground. Even a hairline crack is enough — root tips are microscopic and can enter through the smallest openings, then expand as they grow inside the pipe in search of water and nutrients.

The most consistent sign is a sewer clog that returns within weeks or months of being cleared — especially if it's been cleared multiple times. Multiple slow drains, gurgling toilets, sewage odors, and backups through floor drains all point toward the main sewer line, where root growth is most common. A camera inspection confirms it.

Yes — hydro jetting's high-pressure water can cut through root masses and flush debris from the pipe. It's particularly effective when roots have grown into a tangled mass throughout a section of pipe. The key limitation: hydro jetting cleans the inside of the pipe, but it doesn't seal the crack or repair the joint the roots grew through. If that opening remains, roots will grow back.

They can — and this is the critical question. Root removal restores flow, but if the underlying pipe still has cracks, separated joints, or gaps where roots entered, new growth will follow. How quickly depends on root species, soil moisture, and the size of the opening. In Golden, aggressive root species like willow and poplar can re-establish in a season. Camera inspection shows whether the entry point can be sealed with pipe lining or needs repair.

Not automatically. Root intrusion through a minor crack or separated joint might be solved with pipe lining — a trenchless repair that seals the pipe from the inside. Only when the pipe has extensive structural damage, multiple failure points, or severe deterioration throughout does replacement become the right answer. Camera inspection gives us the honest picture.

Cost depends on the severity and location of the root mass, the removal method (mechanical cutting vs. hydro jetting), whether camera inspection is included, and whether any pipe repair is needed afterward. Call (720) 255-9702 — we'll evaluate the situation and give you pricing before any work begins.

The most durable solution is addressing the pipe opening roots entered through — either repairing the crack with pipe lining or replacing the damaged section. Without fixing the entry point, roots will eventually return. If repair isn't immediately practical, annual camera inspection and periodic cleaning can manage root growth before it causes a backup.

In Golden and Jefferson County, the most common culprits are cottonwood and willow trees (extremely aggressive root systems that actively seek water), followed by poplar, silver maple, elm, and boxelder. Even ornamental trees can cause problems if planted above or near an older sewer line. The issue isn't tree size — it's proximity to a pipe that has an opening.

Root removal clears the obstruction inside the pipe — it restores drainage. Sewer line repair addresses the damaged pipe section — it eliminates or seals the opening roots used to enter. Both may be needed: remove the roots first to restore flow, then repair the pipe to prevent recurrence. Or in some cases, removing roots and monitoring is the appropriate short-term approach while a larger repair is planned.

For a first-time suspected root clog, mechanical cutting can be a reasonable starting point. But if roots have caused multiple backups, or if you want to understand the pipe condition before choosing a method, camera inspection first is the smarter investment. It tells us exactly where the roots are, how dense they are, and whether the pipe underneath is suitable for hydro jetting or needs repair — so we choose the right method the first time.

Yes. A significant root mass can completely block wastewater flow and cause sewage to back up into the home through floor drains, toilets, or tubs. If this is happening, stop using all plumbing fixtures and call (720) 255-9702 for emergency sewer service in Golden. Running more water down the drain with an active sewer backup makes the situation significantly worse.

Mechanical root cutting on a single affected section typically takes 1–2 hours. Hydro jetting a full main sewer line for heavy root accumulation typically takes 2–4 hours. If camera inspection is included before and after, add 30–60 minutes. Larger jobs with significant root growth throughout a long sewer line take proportionally longer.