Tree roots under a concrete base

[Jackques]

Hi everybody!

 

I was busy digging away for a shed base the other day, which I was planning on laying some hardcore, then some concrete for a base for my new shed.

 

As I was digging, I came across a tree root that is underneath where I am planning on putting the base...

 

 

The tree root looks like it is from the nearby cherry tree...

 

 

The tree root is approximately 90-100cm away from the base of the tree, and the diameter of the tree is 30cm at its thickest part towards the bottom...

 

I am nervous about cutting the tree root as I love this tree, and I don't generally want to do any damage to nature. I could find a different location for the shed, but it is likely to encounter the same issue as the area of land is quite small.

 

My question is whether I am able to cut through this root, or whether I need to think of an alternative solution to protect the tree (e.g. raise the base slightly on decking etc). Any advise is greatly appreciated! Presumably concreting over the tree root is a no go for so many reasons (e.g. damages root anyway, ground not level, root might grow through concrete etc).

 

Thanks

 

Jack

 

Edited July 28, 2021 by Jackques

[Doug Tait]

The tree would probably appreciate not having a shed built 1m from the trunk, but if you can't leave it any more space than that, prune the small root in the picture off, don't concrete over it.

[Jackques]

Thank you Doug!

[dumper]

Can you place the shed on bearers not a concrete slab much better for tree

Edited July 29, 2021 by dumper

[doobin]

18 hours ago, dumper said:

Can you place the shed on bearers not a concrete slab much better for tree

This. It’s just a shed. 

[Justme]

4 corner slabs & 2 sleepers would be enough for a shed.