Fixing Tree Roots Causing Sidewalk Cracks

THANK YOU to all those who answered! We have begun the process of a “Sidewalk Consultaion.”   This forum is a GREAT help!

jjq

in Garden Design and Maintenance 12 years ago

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jjq | 12 years ago

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So the city has put a Lien on our Bay Ridge property because we have minor sidewalk cracks which have developed because the roots of our beautiful Callery Pear Tree have grown TOO LARGE.   Now, I dont want to simply “chop-out” the roots and pour a new sidewalk, as Im afraid the de-rooting will kill or damage the tree.   Anyone know the best solution to removing the tree roots correctly– To prevent the problem from growing again? Perhaps removing the violating roots and treating the freshly cut rootends with something BEFORE pouring concrete?

jjq | 12 years ago

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So to further the topic…If (when) I end up hiring a company to fix the sidewalk– How much attention should I pay to what they plan to do to the offending roots? A couple of guys who dig up and pour concrete for a living will probably not be the best  people to ask about how to preserve the root-system of ny beautiful tree.   Are there any (arboreal) CERTIFICATIONS I should look for from my contractor?

anotherposter | 12 years ago

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Maybe you should call an arborist out for a consultation.  Urban Arborists is who we’ve used for tree pruning, stump removal.

slopegirl | 12 years ago

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one solution you see commonly is to enlarge the tree pit. I think if you try root surgery you could harm the tree (but I’m no arborist). Of course if you want to elminate the problem entirely, remove the tree.

cupolacoffee | 12 years ago

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The city issued a Notice of Violation, or an actual lien? Assuming that your property is not a multifamily, see these links re: NYC Parks Sidewalk Repair program: http://www.nycgovparks.org/services/forestry/sidewalk-repair
http://www.nycgovparks.org/services/forestry/trees-sidewalks-program

Bklnite | 12 years ago

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Following links from cupolacoffee, the trees and sidewalks program “… can help repair severe sidewalk damage caused by tree and root growth. Funding to this program is limited, and repairs are made based on the severity of damage.”  If you got a lien, it must be severe.  http://www.nycgovparks.org/services/forestry/trees-sidewalks-program If you that won’t work (not quick enough or no funding available) you can do the sidewalks consultation where the parks department meets with your contractor to plan the sidewalk repair working around the roots. http://www.nycgovparks.org/services/forestry/sidewalk-consultation

catboot | 12 years ago

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I’m pretty sure no one but the city can address root problems from sidewalk trees – you can’t have the sidewalk contractor cut the roots. The trees/sidewalk progam is an option, but be aware that the wait is very long (and got even longer after Sandy).