Yes, tree roots can lift and crack sidewalks, driveways and patios as they grow thicker near the surface. However, roots aren’t always the cause of cracked or uneven hardscaping, so it’s worth having the situation looked at before cutting roots or removing a tree.
Understanding how roots and pavement interact helps you choose a fix that deals with the real problem.
How Roots Can Lift Pavement
Many tree roots grow in the top layer of soil, where there’s more oxygen and water. Pavement laid over that soil sits right on top of them.
As roots grow thicker each year, they can push up on slabs and pavers. Over time, this can cause lifting, cracking or trip hazards, especially near large trees planted close to walks or drives.
Other Possible Causes of Cracking
Not every crack near a tree is caused by roots. Soil settling, poor base preparation, heavy vehicles, water draining under the slab and freeze-thaw cycles can all crack or shift concrete and asphalt.
Sometimes roots and other factors are both involved. That’s why a closer look can be more useful than assuming the tree is to blame. A contractor may be able to lift a small section of pavement to see what’s underneath before any roots are cut.
Options for Dealing With the Problem
The right fix depends on how badly the pavement is damaged, how big the roots are and how important the tree is to you.
In some cases, the pavement can be repaired or replaced in a way that gives roots more room, such as rerouting a path, using a flexible surface or raising the walkway slightly. These approaches can let you keep the tree.
When roots must be cut, the size and location of those roots matter a great deal. Removing large roots close to the trunk can affect the tree’s stability and health. Selective root removal planned by professionals is very different from cutting whatever is in the way.
If the tree has already been removed, leftover roots under the pavement may still need attention, especially near the old stump. Stump removal can take out much of the main root mass when a slab is being replaced.
Planning Before You Replace the Pavement
If you’re replacing a damaged sidewalk or driveway anyway, it’s a good time to decide what to do about the roots. Talk with both your contractor and a tree service before work begins.
Always call 811 before digging to have buried utilities marked. Homeowners shouldn’t cut large roots of a living tree themselves, since the wrong cut could leave the tree unstable.
For a cracked walk or driveway near a tree on your Missouri property, a tree service in Joplin can look at the roots and the tree and help you weigh repair, root work or removal.
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