driveways tree roots and the use of resin bonded stone

We had an enquiry this week from a local resident looking for guidance with regard to his driveways tree roots and the use of resin bonded stone.

His question was – Can we help with regard to his driveways tree roots and the use of resin bonded stone.  Unfortunately the answer to this was no not at the moment.

In all of our information we highlight the fact that with a resurfaced driveway –and the use of resin bonded stone  or resin bound aggregate the existing surface such as concrete and tarmac is the surface which supports the resin bonded stone or aggregate.  If this is not structurally sound then the resurfacing will not be either.

We would say most of the unsound surfaces we are asked to cover and cannot be resurfaced are not relative to driveway tree roots and the use of resin bonded stone.  They are  down to an unsuitable base.  Whether that be through age, deterioration, subsidence or simply a bad installation in the first place.

This  client had actually had the tree removed and  they had employed the services of a well known franchise Stumpbusters and wondered if our resin bonded aggregate was something we would install.

We highlighted to this client that potentially yes, but certainly not at present.  The RHS say

“Be aware that the extent and spread of tree roots is extremely variable and they are unlikely to grow in a uniformly radial pattern. A useful guideline is that roots can commonly extend a distance equivalent to two-and-a-half times the height of the tree. If unsure about tree choice, always seekprofessional advice before planting”

Bearing this in mind the question to consider is if the tree roots potentially can extend as much as this and the fact that the older the tree the more substantial the root growth then what happens to the ground when the roots are removed?

The Forestry Research  also states  the following which could be applied to any driveway, path or patio  as well.

“How do tree roots interact with pavements?

As they grow and thicken within their limited space, roots can distort and break man-made structures including walls, pipes and pavements, causing damage to many tree-lined streets.

Woody roots thicken each year. In temperate parts of the world, the growth rings in woody roots are just as well defined as those found in the stem. This secondary thickening gradually pushes shallow roots growing just beneath the pavement ever closer to the surface. As they expand, roots can exert a force great enough to distort tarmac or even concrete, and will easily move slabbed paving. And after a surface fails, the upheaval increases as roots continue to expand. Most damage is found less than 2 m from the tree, partly because of the fast growth of this part of the root system, and also as a result of the ‘buttressing’ of roots close to the stem. As roots branch and taper, they become progressively smaller and less damaging with increasing distance from the tree. However, some damage can still be found at greater distances from the trunk.”

I think sometimes we forget that the trees were here first and that we should all have a healthy respect  for nature.  Please feel free to contact Drive-Cote Ltd for advice on driveways  tree roots and the use of resin bonded stone.

Mansfield, Ravenshead, Shirebrook, Clipstone Forest Town, Papplewick, Arnold