What is the best way to prevent tree roots lifting block paving

[easy-lift guy]

Agreed. I find it annoying that everyone goes straight for the tree being at fault. In all honesty when those trees were planted I doubt there was any block paving down.

So the way I see it the tree was there first. Yes it's annoying having to find a solution rather than take the tree down and move on. But as Stephen said gravel is an option and a long term solution. It shouldn't have an impact on the roots to much as what was previously there would weight near the same.

 

The tree could not possibly be at fault:confused1:. The landscape architect and or designer is completely responsible. The zoning or code for tree requirements based on what ever formula needs to be on a case by case basis.

This holds true on either side of the Atlantic.

easy-lift guy

[Stephen Blair]

The client doesn't want gravel. They want the block paving put back flat...

 

well something needs to give, if it's not the customer then simply lift the block, get an axe, chop the roots and put the block back down, take the cash and forget about it.

 

You are not that kind of guy, so I wouldn't waste any time with this person.

[benedmonds]

well something needs to give, if it's not the customer then simply lift the block, get an axe, chop the roots and put the block back down, take the cash and forget about it.

 

You are not that kind of guy, so I wouldn't waste any time with this person.

 

I am sure I have seen a product that produces a void and allows roots to expand.. But I cant remember what is was called...?

 

I might be thinking about a biodegradable void former.. Used when building on piles..

 

http://www.barrelltreecare.co.uk/case-studies/BuildingsNearTrees.pdf

Edited June 17, 2016 by benedmonds

[AHPP]

TBH, looking at the front of the property I am astonished that the trees lasted as long as they did, with soil compaction over the years. Florida Slash Pines would have given up the goat long before any maturity could or would have been enjoyed. Better choices should have been made for tree selection, someone has to clean up the mess or polish the turd sooner or later.

easy-lift guy

 

I googled 'given up the goat' and this was the top search result:

41 ways to sound like a bonehead

 

[Mick Dempsey]

Ha ha, the tenterhooks one is a long running argument between me and my wife.

 

A bowl of contention one might say!

[benedmonds]

Tree Roots in the built environment p387 mentions leaving a void, or back filling with gravel and/or foam or sand to provide expansion space..

 

Any one done this?

[Mark J]

You can get root deflectors and all sorts. If they're willing to pay then have a look at things like these GreenBlue Urban.

[Paul Barton]

Tree Roots in the built environment p387 mentions leaving a void, or back filling with gravel and/or foam or sand to provide expansion space..

 

Any one done this?

 

Are you thinking of something like this? Permavoid Sandwich Construction (SC) applications

[benedmonds]

Are you thinking of something like this? Permavoid Sandwich Construction (SC) applications

 

That's what i had seen.. that should work thanks..

[beechwood]

Came across the same problem a while back.

When we lifted the block paving we found a mat of fibrous roots in the sand that the block paving was laid on.

Concluded that tree had exploited the sand base as a great place to take up water and roots could be removed, without destabilising the tree, and paving relaid.

Fully expect to be back in couple of years to do same again.

Tree wasn't subject to TPO, so didn't have to get it past TO.

Hope this helps.

 

Good luck Neil