How to Kill Roots Under Asphalt
Trees normally add value to a home but a tree that's in the wrong spot, or is interfering with other parts of the home, can become more of a liability. A tree growing too close to a driveway or sidewalk can easily begin pushing up under the asphalt as the roots expand. The roots can warp or crack the asphalt, requiring expensive repairs. Killing the root immediately when a problem develops keeps the asphalt intact, although it may harm or kill a portion of the tree.
Note where the root or roots are pushing under the asphalt in relation to the tree's location. Roots don't always grow in a straight line from the tree, but that's the general direction to start.
Dig a 12-inch wide trench alongside the asphalt between the root you found in Step 1 and the tree. If the root isn't found, lengthen the trench to either side until you find it. If more than one root is causing a problem, then dig in each location until you've found all the roots.
- Trees normally add value to a home but a tree that's in the wrong spot, or is interfering with other parts of the home, can become more of a liability.
- Killing the root immediately when a problem develops keeps the asphalt intact, although it may harm or kill a portion of the tree.
Dig under the root until it's completely exposed.
Cut and remove at least a-6 inch section of the root with a hand, chain or reciprocating saw. This ensures the root does not reconnect to the tree and will begin to die without support.
Refill the hole, tamp it down, and scatter new grass seed on top.
Kill Roots Under Asphalt
Most tree roots that cause problems under asphalt are within 12 to 18 inches of the asphalt surface. Familiarize yourself with operating manuals and wear protective eyewear to protect your eyes from flying debris of wood. Root barriers are in a variety of configurations, ranging from physical barriers, such as sheet metal, to chemical barriers, such as synthetic fabric soaked in copper sulfate. Eventually, nature finds a way around it. If you already have a tree and asphalt surface in place, trying to control the tree's root growth is the only option short of removing the tree.
- Dig under the root until it's completely exposed.
- Familiarize yourself with operating manuals and wear protective eyewear to protect your eyes from flying debris of wood.
Tip
If the root has left a noticeable bump in the asphalt, wait about a year for the root to decay. On a sunny, hot summer day lay a piece of plywood over the bump, roll over it with a heavy truck and leave it parked on the plywood for several hours.
Warning
If the root damage is extensive enough you may lose the entire tree.
Related Articles
References
- Friends of the Little Miami State Park: Root Encroachment
- Virginia Cooperative Extension: Trees for Parking Lots and Paved Areas
- The Baltimore Sun: Blacktop and Tree Roots Don't Go Together
- National Asphalt Pavement Association: History of Asphalt
- University of California, Statewide Integrated Pest Managment Project: Sewer Line Root Control
Resources
Tips
- If the root has left a noticeable bump in the asphalt, wait about a year for the root to decay. On a sunny, hot summer day lay a piece of plywood over the bump, roll over it with a heavy truck and leave it parked on the plywood for several hours.
Warnings
- If the root damage is extensive enough you may lose the entire tree.
Writer Bio
Jack Burton started writing professionally in 1980 with articles in "Word from Jerusalem," "ICEJ Daily News" and Tagalong Garden News. He has managed radio stations, TV studios and newspapers, and was the chief fundraiser for Taltree Arboretum. Burton holds a B.S. in broadcasting from John Brown University. He is a 26-year veteran of the U.S. Navy/Navy Reserves and the Navy Seabees.
