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. See similar questions...

Relying on sprinklers or other topical irrigation will increase the chances of raised roots. Since roots follow water, watering the tree at a low trickle for a longer period of time will encourage the roots to grow downward. See similar questions...

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

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. See similar questions...

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. See similar questions...

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. See similar questions...

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. See similar questions...

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. See similar questions...

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. See similar questions...

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". See similar questions...

Local hardware stores have a chemical for removing tree roots. This will kill the roots that are in the service line. See similar questions...

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. See similar questions...

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. See similar questions...

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] See similar questions...

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. See similar questions...

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. See similar questions...

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. See similar questions...

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. See similar questions...

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. See similar questions...