How to make tree roots stop growing and ruining sidewalk w/out killing tree?

Question

We are getting our sidewalk re-done b/c the tree we have outside our house has really ruined them. once the old sidewalk is gone, we'd like to put something on the cut tree roots so they won't re-ruin the sidewalk. What chemical can we put that does this but won't kill the tree?

Answer 1

Most people water too frequently and too shallow. This causes trees to have shallow root systems since the roots generally seek out the available water. Some tree species have naturally shallow roots (like the Pinn Oak), but most can be encouraged to go deep by watering deeply and less frequently (a good long soak about once a month). Doing so also encourages your turf grasses to sink deeper roots, making them less susceptible to hot dry conditions.

I hope that you didn't chop off too much of the trees root system. Doing so can destabilize the tree, since they are it's anchor to the ground, and will stress it so that it is susceptible to disease or insect damage.

Answer 2

Not knowing the species of tree, I would suggest not to cut the roots yourself. Some tree after having their roots cut will put forth suckers (by the dozen) and you may end up with a bigger problem. I would suggest you contact a tree service company, have them do the work with the understanding they are responsible for the out come, that way you get the job done with out the headaches.
If you do decide to remove the roots yourself there are some things you can do in helping achieve the outcome you want. You will need to equalize the tree. That is the ratio of roots to branches. When you cut the roots you are decreasing the trees food chain.This will also help lower the chances of putting the tree into shock.
Deep root watering is truly the trick for a good root system, you may even be able to partially sink roots in other ares by doing so. The new root growth will seek to go as far as the moisture in the soil does.Water away from the new sidewalk as not to encourage root growth there.
A soak-er hose left around the drip line of the tree left for several days and repeated as your temperature calls for.
Good luck and God Bless
grandma

Answer 3

Stop Roots From Growing

Answer 4

tree roots stop growing ruining sidewalk killing tree

Answer 5

i have to do this all the time for people and it is a chore...tear out the bad blocks, dig around the root , take an axe and have at it...in our town the borough owns the trees between the sidewalk and curb so they will bring out their stump grinder for me and knock the root down as far as they can, then cover with gravel and pour a new block. tried a chain saw once and it cut for about 10 seconds before the chain started smoking, not a good idea...no easy way to do it , good luck

Answer 6

There are products on the market for this. Stump remover type chemicals. The Round up would work if the tree was just cut down and you made a nitrogen saturated solution first before adding the glyphosate. (With very warm water slowly add ammonium sulfate, stirring continually until no more will dissolve. Strain it and then add the glyphosate) Copper nails is a wive's tale.......and deadly if someone comes along with a stump grinder later. My favorite wive's tale for copper nails is it changes the sex of a tree.

Answer 7

sounds like you have a silver maple there roots grow on top of the ground and will grow into the septic system you will have to get rid of the tree the root system runs wild there is no spray thay will help this it will grow into the foundation of the house also i work in in nursery capital of the world tennessee i know the silver maple well and it sounds like what you got dont waste money on sprays it wont work cut it down or it will cost you more in the long run

Answer 8

you can prune the roots what you need to do is dig around the root you will see smaller rots coming off the main root cut the main root back to a smaler feeder root remove the cut root and back fill the hole with loam what you have to rember is that every root is conected to a limb in your tree and you will have some die back its gonna happen