Trees and pavement damage

Part of: Tree protection

Tree roots can cause damage to pavements. 

When we plant street trees now, we use a root barrier to guide roots to grow downwards. For older trees, there are things we can do to stop pavements from being damaged, like:

  • pruning roots
  • marking tree pits larger 
  • putting down a flexible surface around trees

If this it not enough, we try to change the pavement so there is not a tripping hazard and wheelchairs and mobility scooters can travel past.

When all else fails, we sometimes have to cut down the tree to make the pavement safe and useable.