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Channeling roots under pavement
Tree roots can be directed to grow in channels provided for by good design. Two of these methods are illustrated above. One-inch thick aeration or drainage pads can be installed as illustrated on the left to increase the effective root zone beyond the small planting pit. Typically, soil outside the planting pit is compacted in clayey soil and ill-suited for root growth. If roots do not grow, the tree performs poorly.
The system illustrated on the right uses a pipe about 2 feet in diameter half filled with loose top soil and slow release fertilizer. The pipe is placed at the edge of the root ball and extends under the walk into open soil space where roots can thrive.
