A healthy tree is a wonderful feature in any garden, but when its roots begin to cause structural problems, the situation can quickly become a costly headache. One of the most common issues we see at LM Tree Surgery Emsworth is tree roots lifting, cracking, or breaking through driveways. While light pruning or surface repairs may seem like a solution, in many cases, tree felling is the only permanent fix.
How Tree Roots Damage Driveways
Tree roots grow in search of water and nutrients, and they don’t stop at soil boundaries. Over time, they can:
- Push up beneath paving or tarmac, creating cracks and trip hazards.
- Displace block paving, leaving uneven surfaces.
- Weaken sub-bases by drawing out moisture, causing sinking or movement.
- Spread far wider than expected, reaching well beyond the tree canopy.
In areas like Emsworth, where many properties have established gardens and driveways in close proximity, these problems are becoming increasingly common.
Why Quick Fixes Often Fail
Some homeowners attempt patch repairs or root pruning as a short-term measure. Unfortunately, this rarely resolves the issue:
- Root pruning can destabilise the tree – Cutting large roots may cause the tree to become unsafe or even lead to its decline.
- Driveway repairs don’t stop regrowth – Unless the tree itself is removed, roots will continue to expand and damage new surfaces.
- Hidden roots remain active – Even if some roots are cut, others may continue spreading beneath the driveway.
This is why professional advice is crucial before deciding how to proceed.
When Felling Becomes Necessary
If a tree is causing ongoing or severe driveway damage, felling may be the only long-term solution. While this may seem like a drastic step, removing the tree can:
- Prevent further cracking and costly repairs.
- Restore stability to your driveway.
- Eliminate risks of subsidence near property foundations.
- Provide the opportunity to re-landscape with more suitable planting.
At LM Tree Surgery Emsworth, we assess each case individually, taking into account the tree’s health, species, location, and the extent of the damage before recommending felling.
Preventing Future Problems
If you’re planning to plant new trees near a driveway, choosing the right species and planting distance is essential. Some trees, such as willows and poplars, have particularly aggressive root systems that can cause issues if planted too close to hard surfaces. Smaller ornamental trees, when positioned carefully, are much less likely to create structural problems.
Why Professional Help Matters
Tree felling is a complex task that requires skill, precision, and the right equipment. Attempting to fell a tree without professional expertise is unsafe and can cause more damage. By using LM Tree Surgery Emsworth, homeowners in Emsworth, Hampshire, can be confident the job will be handled efficiently and safely, with minimal disruption to surrounding property.
Conclusion
If tree roots are causing cracks and upheaval in your driveway, it’s important not to ignore the issue. While patch repairs and pruning may offer temporary relief, they don’t address the root cause. In many cases, tree felling is the only way to protect your driveway and prevent long-term damage. For expert advice and professional tree surgery in Emsworth, Hampshire, LM Tree Surgery Emsworth is here to provide safe, effective solutions tailored to your property.
Call us on: 01243 979 695
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