Root Pruning

Wrangler · Feb 27, 2021

A property management company I do work for asked me to take a look at this asphalt paved walking path. They are getting ready to repave and want suggestions for preventing root damage. White pine side I’m thinking best solution is selectively remove tree with buttress roots that look to be future problem and are not practical to prune. Red maple side lm thinking air spade and prune problematic roots. Maybe root barrier? Most of the maple are 3 stem codoms lots of included bark. Each stem is roughly 10” at root crown where they adjoin.
Besides bad structre they are thriving. About 4.5 feet between maples and path.
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

ATH · Feb 27, 2021

Can they raise the grade of the path at all to reduce root disturbance?

Otherwise your plan sounds reasonable.

If you haven't, read this:

http://joa.isa-arbor.com/request.asp?JournalID=1&ArticleID=3047&Type=2

Wrangler · Feb 27, 2021

I have not seen that.
Right-on
Thanks

Basswood · Feb 28, 2021

Anyone see the support systems that have been installed under sidewalks for root protection? I believe it’s designed to avoid lifting the pavement as well as protecting the roots themselves. I’m not sure the name but I was shown the system in a demonstration. It’s a type of plastic with supports to retain structural integrity of the walkway, while also avoiding compacting over critical roots and removal of them or the tree.

ATH · Feb 28, 2021

Silva cells?

They are great...but very expensive. I'd suggest there are 2 main circumstances that help justify that cost:
*Storm water retention
*rooting space for trees when there is not enough soil for them otherwise

Not sure if either of those look to be issues here (storm water retention is always an issue...but it looks like there is plenty of space around.) Certainly enough rooting space.

I honestly haven't seen much written about using them for regular sidewalks to reduce heaving. I'm guessing they are cost-prohibitive.

Basswood · Feb 28, 2021

That’s them. Didn’t realize they were so much money.

Wrangler · Feb 28, 2021

After reading ISA article
Root barriers sound great for new plantings .
Elevating path with large aggregate such as stone or crushed concrete sounds most practical for reconstruction. Although this is not ideal well draining soil it is on a grade towards drain swail so elevating slightly above grade may allow for quick percolation .