How Do You Deal With Tree Roots Growing Near a Driveway or Sidewalk?

Start by figuring out how much damage the roots are causing and whether the tree can handle any root work. Options range from repairing or redesigning the surface to removing selected roots, and root removal isn’t always the right answer.

Why Roots End Up Under Pavement

Roots grow where they find water and air, and the soil under a driveway or sidewalk often has both. As roots thicken, they can lift, crack, or tilt concrete.

Not every crack is caused by roots, though. Clay soils common in North Texas swell when wet and shrink when dry, which can also shift slabs. It’s worth knowing the cause before choosing a fix.

Options to Talk About

• Grinding or patching a raised edge to remove a trip hazard
• Replacing a section of concrete with more room around the tree
• Rerouting a walkway or widening the gap around the trunk
• Using a different surface in the area near the tree
• Removing selected roots, when the tree can tolerate it
• Removing the tree when the conflict can’t be solved another way

Each option has trade-offs. Surface fixes protect the tree but may need repeating. Cutting roots may fix the pavement for now but can affect the tree’s health and stability.

Choosing a fix is easier with a few questions answered first. How big is the tree, and how close is it to the pavement? Is the damage getting worse each year, or has it stayed about the same? Is the surface a trip hazard for people walking by? The answers help decide how much change the situation really needs.

Before Anyone Digs

Any project that involves digging should start with a call to 811. Texas 811 asks people to make contact at least two business days before digging, even in their own backyard. Public utilities may not mark private lines, such as ones running to a detached garage or outdoor lighting.

For sidewalks along the street, check with the City of Grapevine before changing anything in the public right-of-way.

When Root Work Makes Sense

If the tree is healthy and the roots involved aren’t major anchoring roots, tree root removal may be part of the fix. It’s a decision to make after looking at the tree, the roots, and the damaged surface together, rather than one to make from the driveway alone.

Planting choices matter for the future, too. When adding new trees, giving them plenty of room from paving can help avoid the same problem years later.

If roots are lifting your driveway or sidewalk, call 817-587-4286 to get the situation looked at and hear which options fit.