When Concrete Covers Tree Roots

This tree is going to struggle

Some time ago, a concrete worker I was friends with asked me in irritation, “Why do you always walk on the grass? That’s what sidewalks are for.” I laughed and stated, “That’s hilarious! I create lawns for people to walk on.”

The concrete vs. nature fight isn’t anything new. Even though we all want and desire a green, lush world, the majority of us are in a concrete jungle. Trees, who have no say in the matter, are typically the significant victims of this battle. Keep reading to find out what happens when concrete covers tree roots.

Concrete professionals aren’t landscapers or arborists. Their proficiency is in all things concrete, not helping trees to flourish. When a concrete worker is at your house providing you with an estimate on a sidewalk, patio, or driveway, that isn’t the right time or the right individual to inquire as to how the concrete will concern trees near the work area.

Concrete Over Tree Roots
If you have huge trees that you want to keep healthy and safe, you should first get in touch with an arborist to come to your property and let you know the best place for concrete work that won’t harm your tree roots. After this is when you contact a concrete company. Some planning beforehand can save you money and time in redoing your concrete work or having to schedule tree removal service.  

Typically, tree roots are cut or pruned to make room for concrete work. This practice can be harmful to a tree. Roots are what anchor top massive, tall trees to the earth. Cutting tree roots that are anchoring a tree can make the tree become easily damaged by adverse weather, including heavy rain and high winds.

What to do
Roots also absorb nutrients, water, and oxygen that are vital to tree development and growth. If part of a tree’s roots is missing, that part of the tree will perish due to lack of nutrients and water.  

Also, cutting tree roots can lead to diseases and insects getting into the cuts and contaminating the tree. Root pruning is very harmful to mature trees. Though, young tree roots that are pruned to make space for driveways, patios, and sidewalks might grow back. Tree roots covered by concrete can’t receive any nutrients, water, or oxygen.

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