Tarmac Path near Trees

[SteveW1000]

I'm part of a group that manage a closed churchyard. We currently have a path that is part tarmac, we have previously had the councils tree officer look at the path as its our intention to get the rest surfaced. He raised the issue of the 12 times guidance but without any suggestions of how to alleviate damage to tree roots. The unsurfaced part of the path runs along what could be considered a woodland edge habitat and has a mix of Yew, Holly and Hazel with roots on the surface and receives reasonably heavy foot traffic. A council highways officer is coming to look at this area tomorrow with the view of helping to plan how to build the path through this area. Not sure whether he has much experience of avoiding damage to tree roots so would like to know what measures could be included to limit this damage.

[Chris at eden]

You would need to install the path using a no-dig method to prevent damage to the roots. Its a bit complicated so best to get a specification from a tree consultant. Its pretty standard stuff though with several people on here able to assist depending on your location.

 

Have a look at the Geosynthetics website, they supply the materials and can assist with the specification. If you get stuck send me an email (address on my website - see below) and I will send you a hyperlink.

[SteveW1000]

Thanks Chris had a quick look at the Geosynthetics site looks interesting. Had a meeting with the highways officer who seemed more clued up than I thought would be the case. The path will go through an area that’s had a lot of compaction and soil erosion so will be building up rather than cutting down into the ground. Waiting to see what he comes back with there will be some discussion on whether we go for tarmac or a sandy gravel. The latter is obviously much harder to keep clean so not my first choice.

 

Steve