If your ball comes to rest near tree roots, under bushes, or you need to hit a fine shot between two trees with a lot of vegetation, try your putter. A putter will keep the ball low to the ground so that it can roll or scoot through the trouble without catching branches or vegetation.
Never make a full swing or forceful pitch with your putter. It is not made to take a big impact and you may break it easily. Weigh your options for getting out of trouble and keep your putter as one of them.