Will Tree Roots Affect My Driveway in the Future? Understanding the Risks and Solutions
The Hidden Challenge Beneath Your Driveway
Driveways are an important aspect of a property, not just for function and convenience, but also for curb appeal and value. Like any part of a home or business, however, a driveway is subject to both immediate and long-term threats. Cracks from weather or weight, for example, can compromise the integrity of materials such as asphalt and concrete. But there are also long-term adversaries that property owners may not expect. One common example is trees: although they offer many benefits, their roots can damage a driveway over time. Understanding the characteristics and behavior of roots will help you avoid expensive problems down the road.
How Tree Roots Cause Driveway Damage
Tree roots naturally extend outward as they search for water and nutrients. Roots are often found long distances from a tree’s canopy. In their quest for resources, roots will often cross driveways, sidewalks and other paved surfaces. Roots do not typically “break” asphalt or concrete. Roots push and displace soil underneath pavement. The resulting upward pressure from roots can cause cracks, uneven surfaces and heaving. Freezes and thaws, water intrusion, and vehicle traffic can exacerbate these surface damages over time.
Signs of Root-Related Driveway Problems
Possible early warning signs that roots are impacting a homeowner’s driveway include: high or uneven areas, cracked pavement (particularly if the cracks radiate from one central point), buckling pavement near a tree, pooling water where there has been a change in the slope, and dips on one side of the driveway that the homeowner cannot account for. Most of these changes occur over time, so homeowners should keep an eye out for them. The earlier the roots are noticed, the easier it will be to repair the damage.
Preventing and Managing Tree Root Damage
The most effective root-related driveway protection is prevention during the planning stages. Large trees should be planted a suitable distance from the driveway and species with less aggressive root systems should be chosen. A root barrier between existing trees and a new driveway can also help to redirect their growth. Root pruning may be an option, but only to a limited extent, and only by an arborist who can do so without destabilising or damaging the tree. With existing driveways, regular maintenance will allow for cracks to be spotted and filled before roots take advantage.
Repair and Replacement Options for Root-Damaged Driveways
Repairs can be made once roots have caused severe damage to the driveway. If the damage is superficial, such as cracking and general unevenness, the driveway may be resurfaced or patched in the damaged area, providing a temporary solution. However, if there is widespread damage, or the damage extends to the base layer of the driveway, the driveway may need to be dug up to a depth below the damage, the intrusion removed, the base rebuilt, and new pavement laid. In this situation, replacement of the driveway is a good time to consider preventative measures, such as installing root barriers, and to move the trees in the vicinity to prevent future problems.
