What’s going on beneath the surface?
If your driveway’s starting to look like it’s been through a mild earthquake—cracks, lifting concrete, uneven pavers—you’re not imagining it. Tree roots are often the culprits, and the science behind why this happens is surprisingly simple (and fixable). Let’s break it down in plain English.
Trees aren’t just growing upward—they’re expanding outward too. As trees mature, their root systems grow laterally in search of water, oxygen, and nutrients. Some species, like maples and oaks, develop aggressive surface roots that can spread 2–3 times the width of the tree’s canopy. That’s right—if the branches stretch 20 feet, the roots could extend 40 to 60 feet underground. And when roots encounter resistance, like compacted soil under your driveway? They’ll push upward.
The Science Behind the Lift
Concrete slabs and asphalt driveways aren’t built to flex much. When a fast-growing root applies pressure—especially during rainy seasons when it swells—it causes the hard surface above to buckle. It’s not that the root is “breaking through” the concrete like some horror movie. It’s more like slow-motion hydraulics: steady upward force from a thickening root forces the slab to lift or crack.
Factors that increase risk include:
- Planting trees too close to driveways or sidewalks
- Shallow-rooted species (like silver maples and willows)
- Poor soil drainage
- Thin or unreinforced pavement
According to the International Society of Arboriculture, up to 90% of a tree’s roots are in the top 18 inches of soil—which makes your driveway a prime spot for interference.
What You Can Do About It
If you’re dealing with driveway damage from tree roots, don’t grab a chainsaw just yet. Removing the entire tree can create new problems (soil collapse, loss of shade, and property value concerns). Instead, a licensed arborist or tree service can evaluate safer options like:
- Root pruning to cut invasive roots without killing the tree
- Barrier installation to guide root growth away from structures
- Driveway repair with reinforced concrete or flexible pavers
- Tree relocation or species replacement if future damage is likely
Ready to stop the damage without losing the tree?
Not all root problems require cutting down the tree. The best place to start is with a professional evaluation from a certified Arborist who can assess whether Tree Trimming or selective root management could resolve the issue. And if removal is truly the safest option, we also offer full Tree Removal services. Don’t guess—Contact Us to get expert eyes on your driveway problem and explore smart, tree-conscious solutions.