American elm with salt injury showing the typical marginal necrosis and chlorosis of salt being taken up by the tree's roots. Nutrient Imbalance 8. The application of sludge to these seedlings resulted in a severe Mn and Fe deficiencies. Seedlings became stunted, chlorotic and necrotic. Construction Injury 9.
Tree roots require oxygen for respiration as well as support and nutrient uptake.
The complete removal of half these tree' s roots will result in the trees decline and eventual mortality. It would have been cheaper for this homeowner to have cut them down before the house was built because it was much more expensive after the house was in place. Damage to the cambium of a tree is akin to cutting the jugular vein of mammals. Trees with such damage will not survive. The same tree 6 months later.