Creating a patio can transform your backyard into a functional, beautiful outdoor living space. But when you begin preparing the area and discover tree or shrub roots in the way, the process becomes a bit more complicated. While roots present unique challenges, with the right planning, techniques, and materials, you can successfully level the ground and build a stunning hardscape feature that enhances your home’s value and livability. We’ve compiled some advice about how to safely and effectively level land when roots are in the way, and practical tips to help you maintain the health of your trees and the integrity of your patio design.
Tree roots are vital to the health of your landscape, but they can interfere with patio construction in several ways:
- Surface roots can push against your patio base, leading to uneven settling or cracking over time.
- Large underground roots may prevent you from digging to the depth needed for a solid base.
- Cutting roots without care can stress or kill a tree, especially if too many are removed, or major anchor roots are severed.
What to Do if Roots Are in the Way
Before you remove or work around roots, it’s essential to consider the long-term health of the surrounding vegetation as well as the stability of your patio.
Step 1: Assess the Site to Determine if Roots are in the Way
Begin by evaluating the scope of the root issue:
- Identify the source. Determine which tree or plant the roots belong to. If it’s a valued tree, you may want to avoid or minimize damage.
- Mark root locations. Use a shovel to carefully expose roots near the surface so you can understand their path and depth.
- Evaluate root size and placement. Roots over 2 inches in diameter are typically structural and vital to the tree’s stability, and cutting them can be risky.
You may consider consulting with an arborist if you are unsure about the impact of cutting specific roots.
Step 2: Choose the Right Location or Design
If possible, you may want to adjust the placement of your patio slightly to avoid major roots altogether. A curved or irregular patio shape can help preserve tree health while achieving your design goals.
If you must build near or over roots:
- Use flexible materials like pavers or flagstone instead of concrete, which can crack as roots grow.
- Allow room to breathe. To protect the root flare and prevent compaction, leave at least 12-18 inches of space between the base of a tree and the edge of your patio.
Step 3: Clear and Prepare the Area
With a plan in place, it’s time to prep your site:
- Clear vegetation. Remove grass, weeds, and any small plants in the patio area.
- Excavate carefully. Dig down to your desired base depth (typically 4-8 inches for paver patios). If roots are in the way:
- Small roots (under 1 inch diameter) can usually be trimmed with minimal impact.
- Larger roots should be evaluated before cutting. If they must be trimmed, use sharp pruning tools and cut cleanly to avoid tearing.
- Hand tools vs. heavy machinery. Use shovels and hand tools around roots to avoid damage from skid steers or excavators.
Step 4: Consider Root-Bridge or Floating Designs
If you prefer not to cut roots, there are two main construction methods that allow for root preservation:
1. Root-Bridge Construction
Create a raised patio surface that “bridges” over the roots without disturbing them.
- Add a geotextile fabric directly over the roots.
- Layer with crushed rock or gravel to create a stable base, at least 4–6 inches deep.
- Compact the gravel in layers and level it out.
- Lay your pavers or flagstones on top of bedding sand or another leveling layer.
2. Floating Deck or Raised Platform
Build a low-platform patio using wood or composite decking:
- Install footings or pier blocks outside the root zone.
- Construct framing above the roots, allowing space for growth.
- This method eliminates root disturbance altogether and works well for uneven or root-heavy areas.
Step 5: Level and Lay Your Patio Base
For traditional hardscape patios, once roots have been addressed:
- Add landscape fabric over the excavated ground to prevent weed growth.
- Add crushed rock or gravel (also called ¾” minus or base rock). Spread in 2–3 inch layers and compact each layer thoroughly with a hand tamper or plate compactor.
- Screed a layer of bedding sand (typically 1 inch thick) on top of the compacted base.
- Lay your pavers or stone, starting from one corner and working outward. Use spacers for consistent gaps.
- Fill joints with polymeric sand or gravel and compact again.
Step 6: Maintain the Patio and Tree Health
Over time, roots may still grow beneath your patio. Prevent future problems with the following tips:
- Regularly inspect for shifting or cracking. Especially if your patio is near a living tree, occasional adjustments may be needed.
- Avoid overwatering or compacting soil near the tree base, as this can weaken roots.
- Mulch around trees rather than installing impervious surfaces over the root zone.
Trust Hilton Landscape Supply for Your Hardscape Needs
At Hilton Landscape Supply, we understand that a patio project often begins with a challenge—especially when roots are in the way. That’s why we offer:
- High-quality landscaping materials, including natural rock and flagstones.
- Expert advice from experienced team members who know how to help you work with your landscape, not against it.
- Friendly service to help you calculate materials and make informed decisions.
- Delivery, so you don’t need to worry about hauling heavy materials to your site.
Whether you’re creating a cozy seating area under the trees or transforming your entire backyard, Hilton Landscape Supply is your local source for everything you need to build a beautiful, lasting hardscape.
Stop by our Medford location or visit us online at hiltonlandscapesupply.com to browse materials, get pricing, and start planning your next outdoor project. Our team is here to help you bring your vision to life—roots, rocks, and all!