How to Cut Sidewalk Tree Grates

Tree grates are used to protect the root ball of trees planted in sidewalks and pathways to mitigate damaging foot traffic. Beyond protecting the root mass and preserving the soil, tree grates add a decorative and polished look to landscapes and prevent the collection of litter and other debris at the base of the tree marring its appearance. Most tree grates are made from cast metal, either iron, aluminum or steel, and are installed initially in sections connected with bolts or welds. Many styles of tree grates are specifically designed to be expanded or opened up by cutting as the tree trunks grow in diameter.

Chalk
Power saw with abrasive cutting wheel
Power hacksaw

Instructions

- 1
  Determine how much of the tree grate needs to be cut away so that the inner edge of the tree grate opening does not come into contact with the tree trunk at any point, plus a buffer area of an inch or a few inches as desired.
- 2
  Mark the sections of the grate to be cut and removed with a piece of chalk; make sure that the opening remains symmetrical for the grate design, whether round or square. Be sure to mark each cut location precisely then stand back to make sure you have it right before proceeding.
- 3
  Cut through the chalk mark on each spoke of the grate with a power saw fitted with an abrasive blade for metal cutting or a power hacksaw.
- 4
  Remove the cut out pieces of the grate as they come loose and set them aside, Continue to remove the next section until the new grate opening around the trunk is complete and symmetrical.

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