We are putting in pavers near an oak tree, and I am wondering about pruning the roots. I hope someone can help.
Here is the situation:
When the asphalt was removed, we did not see nearly as much roots as I expected, but we have not trenched yet. Internet searches suggest that pruning oak roots can be detrimental to the tree, but the ash trees along our street have had massive root prunes just a couple feet from the trunk several times with no apparent ill effects. (The ash trees lift the curbs and street, so the city does root prunes when the lifting gets excessive.)
Bottom line -- how much impact do you think pruning roots 8' from this oak trunk would have? Any other thoughts?
Thank you.
Here is the situation:
- Replacing a very old asphalt driveway with pavers. Selected pavers because they can be removed & replaced if the tree roots lift them, unlike concrete.
- I don't know the oak variety; see pic of the leaves & trunk.
- Tree is probably 50 to 60 years old.
- Trunk diameter 27".
- Height 27'.
- Canopy width 28'.
- Location So California, Los Angeles area.
- Want to trench about 2' deep along the edge of the driveway to cut back roots, then put down a membrane to reduce root encroachment.
- Distance from tree to driveway -- 8' to centerline of tree trunk, so the canopy extends about 6' beyond where we would trench.
When the asphalt was removed, we did not see nearly as much roots as I expected, but we have not trenched yet. Internet searches suggest that pruning oak roots can be detrimental to the tree, but the ash trees along our street have had massive root prunes just a couple feet from the trunk several times with no apparent ill effects. (The ash trees lift the curbs and street, so the city does root prunes when the lifting gets excessive.)
Bottom line -- how much impact do you think pruning roots 8' from this oak trunk would have? Any other thoughts?
Thank you.