O.T. opinion on tree removal or not

Rkh · Aug 4, 2015

Got a tree(think its a boxelder) next to blacktop causing cracks from the roots. Just resurfaced, so should i take tree down or leave to reduce chance of more cracking? Here's before and after pictures.

JML755 · Aug 4, 2015

Tree roots are unforgiving when placed next to anything. Last weekend, I had to fix my sprinkler lines that were put in about 8' away from a locust tree planted at the same time 28 yrs ago. Hadn't run the sprinklers last year and finally got dry enough to turn them on last week. 2 zones were barely moving, very little pressure. Dug where I thought the problem was and found the tree roots had grown around the lines completely encasing them and flattening them closed. It was a bear to cut the roots away without completely damaging the lines. One root was about 5" in diameter.

So, the roots WILL grow and heave the driveway. Question is: How long will it take.

Jo Bird · Aug 4, 2015

If you do not count on it for shade during the summer or a wind break during the winter, I would cut off the roots under the drive, if the tree survives okay, if not cut it down. Be sides if that was my drive the wife would have already tried to move it with her car.. :wink: :wink: :wink: :wink:

MarkB_MI · Aug 4, 2015

Is that a maple? If so, either it or the driveway has to go.

Patsdeere · Aug 4, 2015

After you cut the roots off they make root shield (basically medium thick plastic barrier about 2 tall) that you can put into the ground to keep the roots from going any further that way. Works good in my area.

Rkh · Aug 4, 2015

think its a boxelder

cobra1379 · Aug 4, 2015

cut it down and grind the stump. 95% of the time if you do any substantial root damage (like cutting the ones going under your drive) you will kill the tree or at least a section of it. Stay off latters and never pay tree guys upfront.

Kent Petersen · Aug 4, 2015

If that thing is a box elder cut it down i hate them not much better then weeds

MarkB_MI · Aug 5, 2015

Although box elders are related to maples, they don't seem to be as bad about breaking up driveways and sidewalks as do their cousins. Of course, my experience with box elders is a sample size of one. We just had a large elder taken out at a rental property; it was maybe sixty years old and right next to the driveway, but didn't seem to be causing any problems. We took it out because it looked like it might fall on the house. A similar sized maple would have destroyed the driveway a long time ago.

If you get rid of the box elder, you won't be bothered with boxelder bugs anymore. That's reason enough to cut it down.

O.T. opinion on tree removal or not

Rkh

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JML755

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Jo Bird

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MarkB_MI

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Patsdeere

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Rkh

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cobra1379

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Kent Petersen

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MarkB_MI

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