How to Prevent Tree Roots from Damaging Your Sidewalk?

Trees not only look good but are important for the environment, providing shade, enhancing overall well-being, and reducing air pollution. However, these stunning trees have a higher chance of damaging the foundation of your sidewalk due to growing tree roots. The roots can often pose a significant threat to the walkway, causing unsightly cracks and uplift.

In this article, we will discuss effective strategies to prevent and address walkway damage due to tree roots. Let’s learn how hiring a professional sidewalk repair contractor can help you prevent any further mishaps.

How Do Tree Roots Damage Sidewalks?

The roots of trees are growing; they naturally seek water and nutrients. As they grow, they apply pressure to surrounding structures, including sidewalks. This can lead to several types of damage, some of which are discussed below.

• Cracks:
  Growing roots can cause concrete to split or crack.
• Uneven Slabs and Raised Edges:
  Tree roots can create trip hazards by lifting sections of the sidewalk.
• Complete Sidewalk Buckling:
  In severe cases, the extreme pressure from roots can cause the entire section of the sidewalk to lift or break apart.

Identifying Potential Problems

Repairing minor damage that the tree roots have caused is simple and quick. If you neglect these minor damages, they will turn into bigger problems, and ultimately, they will turn into a costly repair project. You will learn the signs that will let you know when tree roots are causing damage to your sidewalks.

• Due to the roots' pressure, cracks appear on the concrete slabs. 
• The slabs are lifted from their actual positions.
• The sidewalk surface becomes uneven and undulating.
• Weeds and small plants start to grow in the cracks in the sidewalks. 
• Water from the soil comes onto the surface of slabs and causes water pooling. 

Managing Tree Roots and Sidewalk Safety

Consider these options to successfully deal with tree roots and keep sidewalks from getting damaged:

1. Planting Trees with Sidewalk-Friendly Root Systems:
   When planting near sidewalks, pick tree types with roots that do not grow as quickly. The Amur Maple, the Japanese Tree Lilac, the Crape Myrtle, and the Eastern Redbud are all good choices. The roots of these trees are less likely to get in the way of sidewalks.
2. Proper Tree Placement:
   Make sure that trees are placed far enough away from sidewalks to be safe. If you want to plant trees near sidewalks, keep them at least 10 to 20 feet away, based on the type of tree. In this way, roots can grow without contacting extremely hard areas.
3. Root Barriers:
   Root shields should be put up to keep roots from growing on sidewalks. These barriers are put up vertically along the edge of the sidewalk and can be made of plastic or fabric. Professional installation is necessary to make sure it works and to keep the roots from stretching, which is bad for the tree.
4. Regular Sidewalk Inspections:
   Sidewalks should be checked often to find early signs of damage. Finding problems early lets you fix them right away, which keeps small problems from getting worse. Set up regular check times, especially in places where trees are already grown.

Addressing Existing Damage

Tree roots that have already damaged the sidewalk may need to be fixed. Common ways to fix things are:

• Sidewalk Slab Replacement:
  For severely damaged sections, replacing the affected slabs is often the best solution.
• Root Pruning (by a Certified Arborist):
  In some cases, carefully removing problematic roots can prevent further damage. Professional intervention is crucial to avoid harming the tree and ensure safe and effective root pruning.

The Importance of Professional Help

Working with a professional company like Sidewalk Violation NY offers several benefits:

• Expertise in Identifying the Source of Damage:
  Experts can determine with certainty whether tree roots or another factor is to blame for the damage.
• Understanding of Local Regulations:
  The professionals know the rules in their area about protecting trees and fixing up sidewalks.
• Safe and Effective Repair Methods:
  Professionals use methods that are safe and work well to get results that last.
• Assistance with Navigating Potential Sidewalk Violation Notices:
  You can get help from professionals to understand and handle possible sidewalk violation notices.

Conclusion

Taking care of tree roots is important for keeping sidewalks safe and avoiding major damage. Damage can be avoided by taking proactive steps like picking trees that do not grow in the way of sidewalks, placing trees correctly, putting up root shields, and checking on trees regularly. When damage already exists, getting skilled contractor help makes sure that the repairs are done right and last a long time. You can get a free estimate from Sidewalk Violation NY by calling us or going to our website to learn more about our tree root management and sidewalk repair services.