Tree Roots Lifting Paving, A Path Or The Drive

What's happening?

St Albans council says that tree roots can expand with age and lift paving slabs and the surface of tarmac, making them uneven and unsafe. Repairs can involve re-laying paving at a higher level, or in some cases root pruning, although that cannot include large anchor roots, and it is better to discuss it with your neighbour first. Newcastle City Council says your neighbour is responsible for maintaining their trees so they do not damage your property and may be liable if they do. This page covers lifted paving, not subsidence of buildings or roots in drains, which are on the pages for tree roots near the house and for tree roots in drains. It describes England, as the sources do.

What usually causes it?

• A tree whose roots have grown under paving laid over the root area
• A large tree close to a patio, path or drive, as its roots thicken with age
• Paving laid straight onto the ground without allowing for roots
• Roots from a neighbour's tree that have crossed the boundary
• Roots from a council tree under a pavement or drive, which the council may deal with

Is it dangerous?

Low, but lifted slabs are a trip hazard, so make the worst ones safe. Do not cut large roots to flatten paving: St Albans says root pruning cannot include large anchor roots, and Elmbridge says excessive pruning of roots could lead to the decline, death or destabilisation of a tree. If cutting makes the tree fall, you could be liable.

Can I fix it myself?

Mark and make safe the worst trip hazards. Photograph the damage and the tree. Talk to your neighbour first, as St Albans suggests, and put it in writing if the tree is theirs. Elmbridge says you may remove roots back to your boundary, but you must think carefully, because the cutter is liable if the tree is damaged or falls: use a tree surgeon rather than cutting large roots yourself. Check for a tree preservation order or conservation area first, which Newcastle says need the council's prior permission. For a council tree, tell the council.

When should you call a tree surgeon?

Call a tree surgeon for a root assessment and any root pruning, and a paving contractor to relay slabs at a higher level or choose a flexible surface. For subsidence or cracking in walls, a surveyor or structural engineer is the right call, as Newcastle says.

What will the tree surgeon actually do?

• Assess which roots are lifting the paving and which are structural anchor roots
• Prune only roots that can be removed without destabilising the tree
• Check for a tree preservation order or conservation area before any work
• Advise on relaying the surface at a higher level or using a flexible surface
• Write a report that supports a claim against a neighbour if one is needed

Who fixes this

• Tree survey and report
• Tree pruning and crown reduction

Questions people ask

Sources & References

1. St Albans council: your rights regarding your neighbour's trees
2. Elmbridge council: common law rights, trees on neighbouring property
3. Newcastle City Council: nuisance and dangerous trees or hedges on private land