Tips for Repairing Your Asphalt After Tree Root Damage

Tree roots protruding from sidewalks and asphalt pavement are a familiar sight. Unfortunately, the roots can grow big enough over time to break and damage the asphalt surface, leading to expensive repairs. In this blog post, we'll take a more intimate look at how tree roots can harm asphalt and offer tips to deter this from occurring.

How tree roots harm asphalt pavement

Tree roots impair asphalt pavement when they do not have sufficient room to expand belowground. The tree receives its nourishment from the soil, and its roots collect oxygen from uncompacted earth beneath sidewalks and roads. When the earth underneath a tree becomes compressed to provide structural reinforcement for the overlying pavement, the tree's roots begin colonizing under the paved surface quickly, forcing the surface to rise, break, and cause aesthetic and safety perils. Pavement impairment is a concern for cities because it is visually unappealing and offers a significant disadvantage due to the tripping hazard it creates.

A Few Tips to Restore Root Damage to Asphalt Pavement

If you're beginning to see crevices and other indicators of damage on your pavement around trees, here are some recommendations and fixes from our experts on asphalt paving and tar and chip seal in Clermont, FL:

Prune or extract the roots

If you detect areas where the pavement has been forced up, tree roots are likely attempting to squirm their way out of the crevices. If this is the circumstance, we suggest using a gas-powered asphalt saw to trim away the impaired area of the pavement. After cropping away the broken areas, carefully snip or extract the roots to safeguard the tree's root system during construction. Employ biodegradable or plastic root barricades to contain them. This process must be completed by a professional like our experts on asphalt paving and chip seal in Clermont, FL. Consider a tree risk evaluation and alternate approaches before pruning the roots.

Use an innovative drainage system

Asphalt pavement is established on a slight tilt to discourage water from accumulating on top of it. Tree roots have an uncultivated urge to travel where the moisture is. If you're placing your blacktop near trees, make the incline run in the path of the trees so the roots can catch the most water. If the incline goes down the opposing direction of the trees, tree roots will journey under your pavement to find the moist soil. Employ a drainage system that will ideally discourage tree roots from intersecting the pavement.

Construct proper defenses

After you've handled the root driving your pavement issues, it's time to create some protection. First, position a root barrier between the asphalt and the tree. These barricades can be material, like sheet metal or other textiles that inhibit the root from penetrating. You can also utilize softer materials soaked in copper sulfate to create a chemical barrier. Unfortunately, root barriers don't always work because stubborn roots will ultimately discover a way through.

Devise a strategy

Have a plan for everything in life, even paving. If you've managed root damage previously, anticipate it happening again on your asphalt. There is no substitute for regular inspection and care. Partaking in preventative upkeep is even more critical if you believe tree roots are generating your pavement issues.

Fortunately, our experts on asphalt paving and tar and chip seal in Clermont, FL, are here to help you with paving essentials for asphalt drives, sidewalks, or parking areas. Contact us today for a free estimate.