Driveways, concrete patios, and park-style walkways look gorgeous when they are first installed. However, landscape design blunders can mean that your beautiful pavement will have not-so-beautiful cracks in it in just a few years. One of the most common causes of pavement damage is tree roots. Soon, your pavement will no longer be smooth, but riddled with heaves as the roots have determinedly pushed the paltry pavement aside in their search for life-sustaining nutrients. So, what can you to to make sure you have lovely trees without sacrificing your hard surfaces? Read on or click here for more information.
Plant Wisely
Some trees have more invasive root systems, while others have roots that remain deep in the soil, not disturbing the ground above. When you're going to pave a space in your yard, or if you're going to plant a new tree close to a paved space, make sure you:
1. Install a root barrier. These will prevent the roots from the newly-transplanted tree from moving horizontally along the surface of the soil, including under your pavement. Root barriers force the root growth downward into more moist soil.
2. Plant trees as far from masonry as possible. One of the reason why pavement is so attractive to trees in because the cool concrete surface traps moisture in the soil underneath, making the dirt below the sidewalk wetter than the topsoil in the rest of your yard. Roots naturally seek moisture, so they gravitate to these cool, wet areas.
3. Plant the right trees. Check the city guidelines for boulevards and street trees, because cities usually choose trees that don't have invasive roots. Also, avoid fast growing trees, as these require a lot of water, and therefore naturally will seek the moisture hidden under your pavement. Examples of water-loving trees include:
Trees that are less invasive include:
Consider Suspended Pavement
If your trees were there first, you'll have to either have the trees removed to make sure your hardscape is not damaged, or you'll need to get creative with your paving process. One technique employed in more urban areas is using suspended pavement. Suspended pavement leaves a void space underneath the paved space. The pavement rests on a support system, and the space below is filled with loose soil that allows roots to grow without disturbing the surfaces above them.
There are many benefits that come from using suspended pavement: