How Tree Roots Damage Sidewalks in New York City?

Trees have the potential to increase the beauty and aesthetic value of a property. However, trees installed near sidewalks can lead to concrete deterioration and create tripping hazards for pedestrians. 

The reason for this damage is the upward growth of the roots beneath the concrete surface. They exert pressure on the sidewalk, resulting in cracks and bumps. Damages caused by tree root invasion are a DOT violation and can also lead to legal repercussions. 

Why Do Tree Roots Grow Upward?

Tree roots in search of water and nutrients expand downwards and outwards, following the path of least resistance. When a tree is planted near a sidewalk, its roots might grow upward and cause concrete deterioration.

Let us see the reason why tree roots might grow upward:

While you might think that these damages are minor, it is more than that. Root damage causes cracks to form, which allow water to seep in and cause freeze-thaw cycles that are even worse. 

Damages Caused by Tree Roots

Here are some obvious signs of tree root damage to sidewalks.

Cracks: One of the most noticeable signs is cracked sidewalk. Tree roots can cause extreme pressure on the top layer, causing it to crack upwards.

Uneven Surface: The clear indication of unevenness in a sidewalk can be the presence of lifted or raised concrete slabs.

Large Gaps: when tree roots grow and move, they can force apart slabs, creating wider gaps that can be dangerous for children, the elderly, and people with mobility issues.

Preventive Measures To Avoid Tree Root Damage

To avoid tree root damage to sidewalks, it is important to implement preventive measures regularly. Let us discuss them one by one.

Tree Selection: Before planting a tree, do a brief research on the right species. Some types of trees have aggressive root systems that can cause sidewalk damage. wisely, and go for species with fewer interfering roots, such as Japanese Zelkova or Trident Maple.

Installation of Root Barriers: Establishing barriers at the time of planting guides roots deeply in the ground and helps prevent them from damaging the surface of the sidewalk. They are usually made of materials like fabric and plastic. Moreover, they can be an important tool for preventing injury.

Proper Watering: Excessive watering can promote root growth on the surface. To encourage the growth of the tree roots downward, you can water the plants infrequently and deeply.

Regular Maintenance: You can prevent damage in the initial stage by keeping an eye on the trees and their roots and by pruning them if required. 

Best Practices for Repairing Sidewalks Damaged by Tree Roots?

Tree roots may still cause damage to your sidewalk even with your best attempts at prevention, in which case you should know the best ways to fix it. 

You must first determine the degree of the damage. If it's small, a straightforward patch job could be enough. On the other hand, complete replacement of the damaged section can be required if the damage is severe. 

Remember to keep the tree's well-being and safety in mind in both situations. 

Let's look at the table below, which provides a quick guide on how to handle pavement repairs:

Installing a root barrier could be the best course of action when dealing with persistent issues. Consult an expert if you think a tree's health is in danger. It is always possible to stop more harm and possible injuries by making sure the repair is done appropriately.

What is the NYC Sidewalks & Trees Program? 

If sidewalks are damaged by trees, you might be able to get repair help from the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). NYC Parks offers a sidewalk and tree program for single-, two-, and three-family residences that are occupied by the owner and not utilized for business. 

In addition, the DPR provides free counsel to owners dealing with tree roots. The degree of the damage, the volume of pedestrian traffic, and the size and state of the tree are just some of the factors the DPR will consider when evaluating a site to determine its eligibility.

For repairs, the DPR gives priority to locations with high rankings. Repairs may involve: 

• Removing damaged concrete
• Increasing the tree's growth area 
• Installing the neighborhood concrete in ways that preserve sidewalks and trees

DPR does not charge owners of one-, two-, or three-family properties for repairs caused by city trees or tree roots. 

Conclusion

As you've just seen, tree roots may erode our sidewalk and turn a beautiful walk into a complex challenge. Factors including tree species, root systems, and environmental conditions all affect tree growth. But with smart restoration strategies and programs like NYC's Trees & Sidewalks, we might be able to find a way.  We can preserve the safety and greenery of our city by cooperating and using our creativity.