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Cedar root pruning


orang-utan
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Hi all

 

I have been approached by a client asking whether or not it will be possible to 'shave off' large lateral roots on a big old Cedar of Lebanon that have lifted up his driveway.  The roots are not presently exposed as the driveway and concrete is still intact although very old and raised - up to about 4 inches in places.  The client is planning on replacing the driveway completely after the tree work has been completed.  Also, the roots spread out over quite a large area.  I have never carried out root pruning before although I have transplanted many trees over time and so I know how important tree roots are.

 

Any sound advice will be much appreciated.  Would photos help?

 

Thanks

 

Rob

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What Steve said. It's done in the US where the pavements are more often concrete cast in situ slabs, but often leads to initiating root decay.

 

Can you avoid it by using an engineering solution, although that would probably raise levels to some extent. On the plus side, if the tree is mature already the roots are probably not going to enlarge significantly in the future.

 

You might be able to use Cellweb TRP over the roots, then a wearing course of blocks, gravel or permeable asphalt, rather that messing with the tree. The engineers at Cellweb (geosynthetics) are very helpful if you call them.

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Yes simply spread gravel and raise the grade.  The "root shaving" idea is bad.  Don't believe the ISA BMP and their styrofoam backfill plan; it's whack.

Gary, if you have documentation of decay, that might help change the BMP on the next revision.

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16 hours ago, treeseer said:

  Don't believe the ISA BMP and their styrofoam backfill plan; 

 

Never have! 

I really can't imagine why anyone would think that it was a good idea in the first place. Okay, fifty years ago when we (well not me personally) were still cutting the branch collar off maybe, but in 2018!!

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Thanks to all.  I agree, I don't think it's a good idea to shave roots down as could open up to infection and leave tree structurally unsound.  It's an amazing specimen approx 15m height, 20m spread having been really looked after over the years by conscientious owners.   Cellweb trp sounds like the product.  Will make enquires.  

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