Rowan tree root problem

Murgatroyd

I have a fairly substantial Rowan tree in a smallish front garden, and its roots seem to be very shallow and widespread, making it difficult to dig the soil over.

Would it harm the tree if I was to cut some of these roots back closer to the tree? I don't want to kill the tree off as it looks lovely in Autumn when it's covered in berries. Thanks in advance for any advice.

Errata

I just dug around mine wherever I wanted to and it didn't affect it at all. Rowans grow in cracks in rocks on the fells and I've even seen baby ones growing in dry stone walls, they're generally as tough as old boots.