Has your community had to deal with tree roots damaging your sidewalks by causing cracking or lifting? Florida hosts a wide variety of tree species. Many of these species, such as Oak trees, can be seen near or around your home. When trees are planted near concrete, such as sidewalks or curbs, the tree roots can sometimes uplift the concrete and cause many problems. In communities, tree roots uplifting sidewalks and curbs are not only unattractive, this tree root damage is also extremely costly and causes safety issues for residents.
Uplifted sidewalks can ruin the aesthetic appeal of a community. These uplifted sidewalks can also become a hazard to residents of the community. People walking at nighttime or those who simply do not see the uplifted sidewalk can fall and injure themselves, resulting in legal action against the community.
If you come across a cracked sidewalk or other concrete area, verify that tree roots are indeed the problem. Sometimes sidewalks can crack due to weather patterns or old age, and not because of tree roots. If tree roots are in fact the problem, there are many solutions to help repair these cracks:
- Constructing a ramp (made from either wood or concrete) over the protruding roots can help reduce cracking.
- Spreading a 3-6 inch layer of soft rubber chips over the roots and then re-pour concrete over the chips.
- Placing a layer of one-inch diameter washed gravel can also be spread over roots with concrete then re-poured on top.
- For additional solutions including more permanent solutions, visit https://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/urban-sidewalk.shtml
Tree roots can cause many issues in communities. However, they can be easily fixed if found early. Have you experienced concrete uplifting or cracking in your community due to tree roots? How did you solve the problem? Let us know in the comment section below.