Home > Urban/suburban design > Root conflicts
Root conflicts can destroy hardscape with improper design
(Click on photos - suggest beginning at 1)
Tree roots grow under sidewalks and asphalt. They do this in many instances because that is where the soil oxygen and moisture are most suitable for growth. The hardscape is often designed to encourage roots to grow there. Better urban design can reduce the likelihood of roots proliferating under hardscape.
See: more examples of effects of root flare on sidewalks and curbs.
See: solutions to broken hardscape
1
large root zone |
2
root spread |
3
root flare |
4
large tree-small space |
5
missed opportunity |
6
young trees just planted |
7
several years later |
8
damage can result |
9
sidewalks lifted |
