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Asphalt Root Damage

Trees offer a lot of positives, adding a nice-looking aesthetic to spaces, and making the air around us fresh, among other things. When it comes to asphalt, trees can be kind of inconvenient. Root damage is a major problem in parking lots, driveways, and other roadways. 

The ideal situation would be that trees are not around the area you are trying to put down or replace asphalt. Yet that doesn’t always happen so there are a few ways we can deal with this issue to try and get the best outcome, and prevent as much root damage as possible. 

Fix Asphalt Root Damage in Grand Rapids, MI

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Tips for Preventing Root Damage

Cracking Asphalt

Remove Small Roots

Dealing with smaller roots is often a more manageable task. These delicate roots are easier to tend to and maintain. The process involves a careful excavation, gently exposing the roots, followed by the use of specialized saws to delicately sever them. This proactive step ensures that they won’t lead to any future complications. Once the roots are addressed, the void left behind can be filled in with nutrient-rich soil, allowing the surrounding area to recover and thrive.

Moreover, it’s essential to be prepared for a necessary patch-up job on your asphalt. This involves smoothing over the affected area, ensuring a seamless and safe surface. By taking these steps, you’re not only safeguarding your property but also showing great care for the natural environment around it.

.  If you need help after this step, Lite Load can help! 

    Contact us for asphalt repair.

Add a Physical Root Barrier

Chemicals can harm the trees and plants that are growing which is something that we want to avoid from happening. The best way to steer clear of hurting the plants is using a physical barrier like fiberglass or metal. This will provide a way to make sure that roots are redirected and safe but don’t grow under your asphalt. The best way to make this strategy effective is to use it when the tree is being newly planted. Put the barrier below ground, and make sure you are blocking off the areas that could move them toward the asphalt.

Repair Cracked Asphalt

If the cracks remain open it can provide a clear opening for more roots to grow. Making sure that these are repaired will help to prevent more issues from developing. This will also make sure that you save time and money in the future if you are correcting the issue as soon as possible. 

Conclusion

Tree root damage can be avoided and helped based on the steps youre willing to take and the space you already have. Depending if the trees are there first or if the asphalt is there first you may have some work cut out for you. If the trees are coming after the asphalt make sure that you are aware of where the roots are going to grow, and think about putting down a barrier so you can ensure the safety of the asphalt. Make sure to stay on top of cracked asphalt and fix it when you notice it so that the problem doesn’t have the opportunity to grow. If you need help with repairs, or having asphalt put down, feel free to contact us and we can help you out!

Grand Rapids Asphalt Company