What to Do About a Sidewalk Damaged By Tree Roots

When tree roots and concrete collide, it’s a frustrating and potentially hazardous situation. Sidewalks and driveways can crack and buckle as the roots expand, creating trip hazards. Further, some solutions, like root pruning, could kill the tree if done incorrectly. Keep reading to learn how to make your sidewalk safe again without harming the tree.

Bear in mind that not every sidewalk section may be your responsibility to repair. If a city-maintained sidewalk on your lot has root damage, you should notify your local public works department.

How Tree Roots Damage Sidewalks

Trees often grow surface roots that spread out from the trunk and expand over time. As they grow wider in search of water and nutrients, they can push up against your hardscaping. Moisture beneath the concrete, paired with a sidewalk’s warmer temperature and linear design, make them ideal for roots to burrow under.

You should be on the lookout for telltale signs of root damage, including these:

• Buckling from upward root pressure
• Cracked and uneven sidewalk sections
• Trip hazards where sections lift up
• Widening gaps between sidewalk joints

If the troublesome roots are near buried plumbing or wiring, they could also cause water leaks, backups, and cut connections. It’s better to take care of the damage early to prevent the problem from spreading further.

Options for Repairing Sidewalks Damaged by Roots

There are a few different solutions to repair root-damaged sidewalks. The choice often depends on the severity of the damage. However, if you want to keep the tree, you’ll also have to think about how long you want the solution to last.

Quick Fixes for Moderate Damage

For mild to moderate damage, these quick repairs can help:

• Grinding: A concrete company can grind down raised sidewalk sections to get rid of trip hazards. However, this won’t stop further root growth.
• Patching: To patch cracks, a crew will clear debris and fill them with fresh concrete. For larger cracks, you may need to replace the sidewalk section entirely.
• Mudjacking: A mudjacking company can drill a few holes in the affected sidewalk section and pump concrete slurry underneath. This can slow the roots’ progression if done right.

Each option gives you short-term relief, but it doesn’t address the underlying root problem. You may need to redo them as the tree keeps growing.

Root Pruning

Root pruning involves cutting off the ends of invading roots to limit problem growth. If a licensed arborist does this technique properly, it can eliminate sidewalk damage while saving the tree. 

As a rule of thumb, arborists won’t remove more than 25% of the roots. This is for a few different reasons:

• Cutting many large roots triggers rapid new growth, which may restart and accelerate your sidewalk woes.
• Large, intact roots keep mature trees upright. Cutting key support roots increases the risk that a tree falls.
• Roots supply water and nutrients, and removing too many of them could starve the tree.

For your and your home’s safety, you should never try to prune a tree’s roots yourself. Improper or excessive pruning can destroy vital support roots and destabilize the tree.

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Root Barriers

A more lasting solution is to use root barriers that redirect future growth away. These strong sheets may use any of the following materials:

• Deep-driven metal or vinyl edging
• Fabric barriers in segmented sleeves
• Flexible PVC panels
• Rigid molded plastic barriers

Fabric and flexible barriers are easy to install next to sidewalks and foundations. Rigid panels, while stronger, require professional installation.

If you decide to place barriers, you’ll still need an arborist’s help to do some root pruning. Once the problematic roots are cut away and the barrier is in place, your concrete company can help repair the sidewalk to last.

Sidewalk Replacement

If your sidewalk has particularly severe root damage, you may need to replace it entirely. Options like flexible asphalt and pavers adjust more readily to root growth and can be more resilient to future problems. However, both options also cost more up-front.

Professional Tree and Sidewalk Repair

It’s better to consult arborists and concrete contractors rather than tackle a large DIY root damage repair. These licensed companies can accurately diagnose the damage using tools like ground radar. They can also determine to what extent a tree would tolerate root pruning and handle the job properly.

It’s true that professional repair may be more expensive, but many homeowners find that it completely solves their issue. Besides, if something goes wrong with a DIY repair, you may have to pay much more.mpletely. DIY attempts without proper experience may ultimately cost more if complications arise.

Plant Trees in the Right Place

Prevention is always better than the cure when it comes to root damage. One of the most effective ways to keep your sidewalks intact is to plant trees in the right place from the start. Here are some key considerations:

• Keep up with tree maintenance: Proper watering, fertilizing, and pruning can encourage healthier root growth patterns and reduce the likelihood of surface roots causing damage.-front, this often provides safer long-term solutions that protect both your trees and sidewalks.
• Keep a minimum distance from hardscapes: When planting new trees, ensure they’re at least 3–4 feet away from sidewalks, driveways, and other paved surfaces. For larger tree species, increase this distance to 6–8 feet or more.
• Install barriers when you plant: Install root barriers around newly planted trees to guide root growth downward and away from hardscapes.
• Choose the right species: Select tree species with less aggressive root systems or deeper root structures. Avoid placing trees like silver maples, willows, and poplars near sidewalks, since they have particularly invasive root systems.
• Consider the tree planting strip width: If you’re planting a tree in a narrow strip between the sidewalk and street, choose a type that’s appropriate for the space. Columnar varieties or smaller ornamental trees may be better suited for tight spaces.
• Check for buried utilities: Before planting, always check for underground utilities to avoid future conflicts with pipes and cables.
• Plant in good soil: Ensure the soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter. Poor soil conditions can encourage roots to spread out in search of nutrients, risking more damage to nearby structures.