A big root made the walkway in front of my house going up and break, what do I do?

Question

I have 2 options tho:

1. cut through the concrete with diamond saw, remove the root and pour new concrete (expensive and labor intensive).

2. fill up the crack and resurface around it to create a small bump.

Other suggestions?

Answer 1

It's a tough one.  Really, you need to cut the tree root, however, doing so may kill your tree!  What some do is remove the concrete and install pavers in areas like that.  That way, if the root grows again- it will merely push up pavers and not the entire slab.  

Pavers are sometimes thinner than the pour of concrete so that may buy you some time if  you wanted to avoid cutting a large root.

Good luck

Answer 2

saw walk 2 feet away on each side of walk make sure its sawed thru....flip the sawed concrete over cut the root out  flip it back if you dont wanna spend cash

Answer 3

you might dig along the walkway so you can see the root and cut it out it,and the walkway might level back down.cutting the root will not hurt the tree,good luck.

Answer 4

Do it right the first time and you wont have to go back.  If the cement is broken severly you might have to repair so it does not offer a trip hazard.  This could invite a law suit.  If this is the case go for the root and remove it.  If the cement is still together try to expose the root from the sides of the walkway then cut it in place.  Cut both sides in case the root traveled from a different direction.  Leave it there and it will rot over time.  It will take time and a little elbow grease but it must be done.  Else you will have worse problems in the future.

Answer 5

Call a tree company and ask them for some free advise about how close you can cut to the trunk of the tree before you are to close. If you won't kill the tree dig around the root and cut it at both ends and dig it out. Refill with a dirt/sand mix. Dirt will settle but sand will help it to pack tight since it is under your walk. You may want to think about putting a concrete block under your walk (fitted tight)and fill in holes with your mix. Don't seal up the cracked cement for about one year. This way you can top off any settling ground.

Answer 6

I run across this alot,in fact did sections 1/2 block long weekend before the 4th.

Take that section out,remove a section of root that's under walk and re pour.Now if it's only 1-2 stones it will be a breeze.Saw cut at the control joints (need 2"-3" deep) cut,rent an electric jackhammer and demo,re pour using the 5000 quick set (those cheap bags are to boney).Use a soft bristle push broom for finish,go have a drink when done.

Don't make it a job bigger than it is,piece of cake.

My Best