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Four Kerbing Options to Consider If Tree Roots Are Growing Into Your Kerbs

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Unfortunately, tree roots can easily damage walking paths, kerbs and other hard surfaces. When the roots grow into these surfaces, they lift them up and create cracks or bumps. If your kerb has been damaged, there are multiple things you can do during the repair process to reduce the chances of damage from tree roots in the future. Whether you own a business with a parking lot with kerbs or you are a city manager or anyone else who deals with kerbs, these tips can help.

1. Trim and block.

A professional arborist can actually trim the roots of trees just like they trim the canopies of trees. Have an arborist trim the roots of the tree carefully. Then, place a barrier next to the kerb. The barrier stops the roots from growing into the kerb, and the roots simply grow around it.

2. Reinforce the kerbs.

If you don't want to risk trimming the roots of your trees, you may simply want to reinforce your kerbs. A kerbing expert can place metal rebar into the area before pouring the kerbs. The metal bar reinforces the concrete and helps to prevent tree roots from disturbing it. In lieu of rebar, you may use metal mesh. Reinforcement is typically best for trees that are mature and not growing that quickly anymore.

3. Embrace a kerb made out of pavers.

Concrete kerbs certainly are not the only option. You can also create kerbs made of pavers. For example a kerb made of bricks or other stones looks beautiful and unique, but it's also a great option if you have lots of quickly growing roots in the area. Namely, if the roots penetrate the kerb, you can simply remove the paver, cut the root and and replace the paver. This type of kerb design makes it simple to do quick repairs as needed, and it's much faster and more efficient than replacing a whole kerb by pouring concrete.

4. Investigate flexible pavers.

Flexible pavers are also a great option for both kerbs and walking paths. These pavers can be made of a range of flexible materials, including rubber. The material moves rather than breaks when the tree roots grow toward it. As needed, a kerb or paving contractor can remove the flexible paver, pour sand around the penetrating tree root, and then replace the paver. This creates fluctuating levels, but it also protects the tree roots and helps save money on repairs.


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