there is a tree right on the other side of my property line (so it’s my neighbor’s) adjacent to the driveway. the roots had caused cracking and buckling of the driveway over the years, so when i bought this house nearly 9 months ago, driveway was already in rough shape (see first few photos). the driveway has been dug up to reveal the roots now in preparation to have it re-paved. contractor wants to prune roots and also wanted to remove the tree but i explained to him it’s not on my property. spoke to neighbors but they do not want to remove the tree. i am concerned root pruning will destabilize the tree and also concerned roots will damage a new driveway. what can i do?
by Ok_Environment_1822
6 Comments
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That’s a tough situation. I’m not an expert by any means but you’re allowed to trim roots/limbs on your side. So you could chop them, but tree’s will lifespan will be reduced with roots that big. Or pave around the roots giving them opportunity to continue growing. Ultimately a driveway and a tree of that size were never meant to exist so close together.
Replace your driveway with crushed gravel. No angry neighbor and you don’t have to kill an old tree
Time to have a talk with the neighbor.
It’s either the tree or your driveway.
The tree is causing damage to your property. Don’t know of any ordinances that DON’T allow you to trim and cut those roots…
But… the problem is still there. Have a nice talk with your neighbor honestly about this tree. This could turn nasty really quick….
If you mess with those roots that tree is toast most likely and you’ll get blamed. The best solution is to remove the tree before it causes any more damage to your property.
Unless you don’t care…
I see it all the time.
People planting trees by their homes or right next to concrete.
If you’re committed to asphalt or concrete, does the topography allow you to consider bringing in a few trucks of clean fill dirt to build up your roadbed?
That is, unless you can be convinced of the wisdom of a gravel driveway. That’s where I’ll be putting my money later this summer!
What do you think that giant cedar 2 feet from your house is doing to the foundation? Poor trees don’t even know what a property line is. I know I’m not being helpful it’s just a crappy situation.