Tree roots will certainly contribute to sidewalk failure, but they are not the initial cause of heaving. There are a number of factors that contribute to sidewalk failure: the method of sidewalk construction, type of soil under and surrounding the sidewalk, proximity of the sidewalk to the tree's buttress roots, and others. There are several things that can be done to repair the sidewalk and maintain the health of the tree.

If the Inspector determines that a flag's defects are only due to tree roots, and that there are no other non-tree related defects on such flags, then these flags will be replaced at no cost if the City replaces your sidewalk.

Cutting the roots of any tree is generally ill-advised as it may affect the tree's health and stability. If a tree is covered by a Tree Preservation Order, or if it stands in a Conservation Area an application will be required before root pruning can take place. The application form is available here (PDF, 281K).

In most cases no, repairs can often be made without removal of the tree. However, there are some instances when the growing space is just too small for the size of the tree and it would be better to remove and replace the tree with a less aggressive species. In other cases, if too many large roots need to be severed to make the repairs and the tree’s stability is in jeopardy, removal will be recommended.

Please contact Forestry at 483-4202. Please provide the representative with your with your name, and the address.

A If the tree is on City property, please call the Detroit Recreation Department Forestry Division at (313) 224-1111. If the tree is on private property, the property owner should contact a tree service company.

We have Santa's helpers here that will cut your chosen tree and carry it to the netter. Another helper will wrap your tree in plastic netting, so it will be easy to transport. Someone else will cover the top of your car with a soft material that protects the finish from sap and from the needles, and very carefully tie your tree on your car for the journey home.

Most people know that tree roots stabilize a tree. However, that is only part of their job. Most people don't realize that roots absorb oxygen out of the soil. Tree roots absorb air, water and nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus from the soil then convey these elements to the rest of the tree. All of these are essential for the trees growth and overall health. Tree roots also store starches that are produced during the growing season.

It is very unusual for roots to physically break drains and associated pipe work. However, tree roots are opportunistic and if an old pipe with poor joints is leaking into the surrounding soil this will attract the roots that may then exploit the existing weakness. Then, when repairs are required, a proliferation of tree roots often leads to the blame being placed with a nearby tree.

Build decking or benching around trees, to relieve pressure on the roots. Install other plants around the base of the tree to divert traffic. Put in more trees and spread out the love!

The growth characteristics of many species is to develop surface roots. Silver maples are one example. Many times, surface roots occur when the tree roots are looking for water, the soil is too hard, or the soil is saturated with water. Surface roots can impact sidewalks and driveways.

Generally, tree roots get into sewer lines because they are old and leaking and need to be replaced or repaired. It is rare that tree roots will crush a sewer line. If this occurs, please call the Urban Forest Section to have someone inspect the damage.

Daylilies quickly grow new roots. We have found it best to cut the roots down to 3 inches in length when dividing. The old roots die off and quickly are replaced by new roots.

Tree roots can normally grow to that of two and one-half times the height of the tree. The area under the canopy of the tree is commonly referred to as the critical root zone. The amount of critical root zone lost is directly related to the amount of die-back in the crown of the tree. In an oak tree, if more than 30 percent of the critical root zone is lost, the tree will die. However, soft wood trees, such as box elder, can tolerate far more root disturbance.

No, the wetting and drying of the clay soil causes the initial cracks. After these have developed, tree roots will grow into the cracks for moisture.

Roots grow toward water vapor or moisture, by a continuous process (hydrotropism) occurring at the very end of the root. The root grows one cell at a time enabling it to enter the small cracks and joints, which may be present in your pipe. After a root enters a pipe, it divides hundreds of times to form a large mass of tender root ends. This root mass will accumulate a thick coating of grease which will collect up on the root mass until a blockage occurs.

No. In six years of controlled use, there has been no indication of damage caused from the spike or cross member entering the root ball. Any piercing will, at worst, cause the roots to grow around the impediment.

Cracks in the driveway may be caused by water and age in addition to roots. PBC Forestry recommends that the surface be removed so the roots can be inspected before condemning a tree. Frequently the cracks are caused by small surface roots that can be removed prior to the new surface being laid.

Tree roots are opportunistic. While they will not crack a sound sewer service or water line, they will exploit cracks or failures in the lines. The best defense against having tree roots in lines is to make sure that your lines are in good condition and that they're not cracked. If you suspect that tree roots are growing into your sewer line, you can have the roots cut out using a process called "rodding".

If the damage is located within the City owned street allowance, there is no liability against the City to pay for these claims. If the damage is on private property, claims are investigated individually to determine the City's liability.

Tree roots do not cause drains or sewer pipes to break, but they will invade and clog drains that have pre-existing cracks and resultant leakage. Drains are usually six to eight feet below ground level, while tree roots grow almost exclusively in the upper two feet of soil, because they not only need nutrients, but also oxygen to survive.

BOB: No! Extensive research has shown that trees have natural defenses in the "collar" area if branches are properly pruned. Be sure to leave the "swollen area" (collar) at the base of the branch. [More about tree trimming]

Possibly. If the tree is in the street right-of-way, contact the Engineering Department at (503) 681-6146 for a permit. If the tree is on your own property, please contact the Planning Department at (503) 681-6153 before cutting down the tree. Be prepared to give the street address or Tax Lot I.D.

The City has a Tree Preservation Ordinance protecting trees growing on private property that are greater than a minimum size. Please see Tree Services for an overview.

The County Council does not directly employ a tree contractor but our term maintenance contractor may be able to recommend one or organise the work for you. It is strongly recommended that you obtain at least three quotations for the work to ensure the best price.

Thank you for thinking of us, but unfortunately we are a retail location and do not do any woodworking on site. The furniture makers who display their work with us have their own sources for materials, and very few of them have the time or resources to make a freshly cut tree into useable boards (cutting, transporting, milling, drying, etc.). Wood turners tend to be more interested in new wood, so one recommendation is to contact wood turning groups or organizations in your area.

Yes. Any tree located on private, residential property may be cut down without the City's approval. However, if you pay someone to cut the tree down for you, they must be licensed with the City and they are responsible for the disposal of the tree.

Not if it is protected by a Tree Preservation Order or a planning condition, or is within a Conservation Area. Tree Preservation Orders are made by the District Council to protect important or individual groups of trees and, if worthwhile trees are threatened, a provisional order can be made quickly.