Driveway Damaged By Tree Roots? How to Repair It

Written By Holly Richards-PurpuraPublished on 07/29/2024

In previous articles, we shared six causes of concrete damage and how to spot them, including tree roots on that list.

In this article, we’ll explore this topic further and answer how to repair a driveway damaged by a tree.

Let’s get to it!

How Do I Repair A Driveway Damaged By Tree Roots?

Repairs depend on the extent of the damage.

If your driveway is crumbling and has deep, spreading cracks or uneven slabs, you may have no choice but to demolish the concrete and repour it. Mudjacking is another method which we mentioned in our driveway leveling article.

Both of these techniques might work in the short term, but they are temporary, costly, and invasive repairs. They also do not address the cause of the concrete damage. As tree roots seek nutrients, they move through the soil, displacing it. This causes the soil to shift and settle, eventually bringing your concrete driveway down.

The best way to repair a driveway damaged by tree roots is with polyurethane foam injections. The lightweight yet durable foam is injected under the driveway through small holes. As the foam expands, it helps lift the concrete back to level.

This system is a superior option because it works two-fold, strengthening the underlying soil and your driveway.

Your driveway problems are unique to your property, so it’s best to contact a concrete repair specialist like Tar Heel Basement Systems for a thorough inspection and solutions tailored to your needs.

How Do I Fix the Tree Root Problem?

Some tree species have invasive root systems that can severely damage your driveway and other concrete structures on your property. Sometimes, they can puncture the concrete and grow through cracks, as well as lift sections of the slabs (as shown here).

If you fix your concrete before addressing the troublesome roots, the problems will only continue. It’s important to address the cause before implementing any repairs.

Here are a few popular options:

Root trimming with pickaxes and other tools
Chemical root trimming with robust root killers
Complete tree removal

These techniques can be challenging to complete on your own. We recommend working with experienced landscaping and tree removal companies. You should also choose noninvasive tree and bush species for your landscaping.

Trust Tar Heel Basement Systems for Your Concrete Needs

In this post, we answered your question about fixing a driveway affected by tree roots. For lasting repair you can trust, work with professionals to implement concrete lifting with polyurethane injections.

There’s much more to cover with concrete lifting and leveling, so keep checking back for additional informative articles!

If you need concrete lifting, you can rely on Tar Heel Basement Systems for a thorough, free inspection and customized repair solutions. Click the button below to get started!

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Holly Richards-Purpura

Content Writer

Holly is a Content Writer for Groundworks who has written and edited web content for the foundation services industry for over 10 years. With a background in journalism, her passion for the written word runs deep. Holly lives in Columbus, OH, with her husband. Along with educating homeowners, she also has a big heart for the Big Apple.