Tree Roots Lifting Your Sidewalk? Here's What to Do

It’s a frustrating problem that every homeowner eventually faces. That beautiful mature tree is destroying your sidewalk, and you are stuck in the middle. The roots grow, the concrete lifts, and you are left with trip hazards and cracked slabs.

Here is how to handle it—including sidewalk leveling options—without losing the tree or your mind.

Understanding the Problem

Trees and concrete do not naturally coexist well. Roots seek water and nutrients, which means they grow wherever the soil is easiest to penetrate. The path beneath your sidewalk offers three things roots love:

• Looser soil from the original excavation
• Moisture from irrigation and runoff
• Protection as concrete insulates soil temperature

Most feeder roots grow in the top 6 to 24 inches of soil. As these roots grow thicker, they push upward with immense force. The concrete has nowhere to go but up.

Types of Root Damage

Heaving (Lifting)

This is the most obvious damage we see. Large roots directly under the slab push it upward. According to ADA standards, a vertical change of just 1/4 inch is considered a trip hazard. This creates:

• Raised sections of sidewalk
• Tilted slabs
• Cracks along stress lines
• Trip hazards at joints

The Liability Reality

These trip hazards are more than just ugly. They are a financial risk. The average settlement for a trip-and-fall lawsuit in the US ranges from $10,000 to $50,000. Ignorance is rarely a valid defense in court. If the sidewalk is on your property, you are likely responsible for its condition.

Undermining

When roots grow under a slab and then die or decompose, they leave gaps. Voids form beneath the concrete, and the slab loses support. Settlement follows, which usually results in cracking and breaking.

Lateral Pressure

Roots growing along the side of a slab can push slabs horizontally. This creates gaps between slabs and forces them out of alignment. It often cracks expansion joints, which allows water to seep in and cause freeze-thaw damage.

Your Options for Repair

Option 1: Leveling with Root Management

For moderate root damage, this combination approach is our top recommendation. It solves the safety issue without breaking the bank.

Step 1: Root pruning A certified arborist can prune problematic roots without significantly harming the tree. We generally follow the rule that you should never cut more than 25% of a tree’s roots at once. Larger roots are more critical to tree health, so we are careful there.

Step 2: Concrete leveling Once roots are pruned, we level the lifted slab. Modern polyurethane foam injection is the superior method here. The foam cures in about 15 minutes, meaning you can walk on it almost immediately. It is also waterproof, so it will not wash away like traditional mudjacking slurry.

Step 3: Root barrier installation To prevent recurrence, you must install physical barriers that redirect root growth. These barriers are typically 18-24 inches deep and keep roots from returning under the concrete.

Pros:

• Preserves the tree
• Cost-effective (often 50-70% less than replacement)
• Can restore existing concrete
• Addresses the root cause

Cons:

• Roots may eventually bypass barriers
• Some tree stress is possible
• May need periodic maintenance

Option 2: Rubber Sidewalk Systems

This is a newer alternative for tree-root areas. It involves removing the damaged concrete and installing interlocking rubber pavers.

How it works: The rubber flexes over roots without breaking. It acts more like a shock absorber than a rigid slab.

Pros:

• Accommodates root movement
• Easy to remove and replace sections
• Does not require root cutting
• ADA compliant

Cons:

• Different appearance than concrete
• Higher upfront cost (often $20+ per square foot)
• Not suitable for all locations
• May require maintenance

Option 3: Ramping/Grinding

Municipalities sometimes allow this as a temporary fix. You grind down the raised edge to create a smooth transition or pour an asphalt ramp to eliminate the trip hazard.

The hidden cost: Grinding removes the “cream” or top layer of the concrete. This exposes the aggregate (stones) inside. In Colorado’s freeze-thaw cycle, exposed aggregate deteriorates much faster than sealed concrete.

Pros:

• Inexpensive ($60-$150 per hazard)
• Quick
• Does not disturb roots

Cons:

• Temporary solution as roots continue growing
• Aesthetically poor
• May not meet ADA long-term
• Not recommended as a permanent solution

Option 4: Concrete Replacement with Root Barrier

For severely damaged slabs, replacement is the only option.

The process: We remove the damaged concrete, prune or remove problematic roots, install a root barrier, and pour new concrete. Note that new concrete typically requires 7 days to cure before it can handle heavy weight.

Pros:

• Fresh start
• Complete root management
• New concrete appearance

Cons:

• Most expensive option ($15-$25 per sq ft)
• More disruptive
• Still may need future maintenance

Feature	Leveling	Replacement	Grinding
Cost	Moderate ($3-$12/sq ft)	High ($15-$25/sq ft)	Low ($60-$150/hazard)
Time to Use	Immediate (15 mins)	Slow (7+ days)	Immediate
Longevity	High	High	Low
Aesthetics	Good (Original Look)	Excellent (New Look)	Poor (Scared Surface)

Option 5: Tree Removal

Sometimes the tree is just too big for the space.

When to consider:

• Tree is unhealthy anyway
• Root damage is severe and extensive
• Tree poses other risks
• No other solution is practical

Process: You remove the tree and stump. It is critical to grind the stump at least 6-12 inches below the soil line to prevent fungal growth and future settling. Then you repair or replace the concrete.

Protecting the Tree

If you want to keep the tree, work with an arborist who follows ANSI A300 pruning standards.

Evaluate Tree Health

Some trees handle root pruning well, while others do not.

• Tolerant species: Oaks, elms, maples (generally)
• Sensitive species: Willows, poplars, some evergreens
• Individual factors: Tree age, vigor, soil conditions

Perform Professional Root Pruning

Proper technique matters. Clean cuts heal better than torn ones. You generally want to cut no closer than 6-12 inches from the trunk for every inch of trunk diameter. This protects the Structural Root Zone (SRZ) that keeps the tree upright.

Monitor Tree Health

After root work, watch for signs of stress. Adjust your watering if needed. Consider supplemental care like fertilizer. Plan for potential decline if the tree was already weak.

Prevention for Future Plantings

If you are planting new trees, avoid the problem entirely.

Species Selection

Choose trees with deeper root systems. Look for slower growth and smaller mature sizes.

• Better choices for near sidewalks: Ornamental varieties
• Good options: Columnar trees
• Colorful picks: Smaller flowering trees
• Safe bets: Species known for non-invasive roots

Placement

Guidelines:

• Large trees: 15+ feet from concrete
• Medium trees: 10+ feet from concrete
• Small trees: 5+ feet from concrete
• Consider root barrier at planting

Proactive Barriers

Install root barriers at planting time. Products like DeepRoot or BioBarrier are much easier to install now than later. They direct roots downward and prevent future damage. They are also relatively inexpensive compared to concrete repair.

Municipal Considerations

In Colorado Springs and surrounding areas, the rules are specific.

City Trees

If the tree is city-owned (street trees), contact the city about the sidewalk. They may handle root pruning. Responsibility for repair varies by ordinance. Get written clarification before you touch a city tree.

Your Trees

If it is your tree damaging a public sidewalk, you are often responsible for repairs. Colorado Springs has a 50/50 Concrete Cost Share Program for eligible repairs. Check if your sidewalk damage rates as a “Priority 1” or “Priority 2” hazard to qualify.

Permits

Before doing work, check if tree work requires permits. Verify sidewalk repair requirements. Understand right-of-way rules. Document everything you do.

Our Approach

At Colorado Springs Leveling, we work with you to find the right solution.

Assessment: We evaluate concrete damage and assess root involvement. Our team considers tree value and health. Then we review your options together.

Coordination: We can work with your arborist. Our network includes recommended root barrier contractors. We schedule work appropriately to minimize downtime.

Repair: We level or repair once roots are managed. Our technicians fill voids from root removal. We restore a safe walking surface for you and your neighbors.

Realistic expectations: We will be honest about what is achievable. Some situations do require replacement. We also help with prevention planning for the future.

Get Your Tree-Root Situation Assessed

If tree roots are causing sidewalk problems, we can help evaluate your options.

1. Assess the extent of damage
2. Determine if leveling is appropriate
3. Discuss root management needs
4. Provide repair recommendations
5. Coordinate with tree professionals if needed

Request your free assessment →

Living with beautiful trees and safe sidewalks is possible. It just takes the right approach.