[vango]

I am asked to give an estimate to a customer who would like to replace an asphalt driveway with pavers. At the end of the driveway is a maple tree which belongs to the neighbor that sits about 4 feet from the edge of the driveway. The roots from the tree have buckled the driveway quite a bit. I can't put in a proper base for this driveway without eventually killing the tree. The neighbors obviously want the tree to stay alive!! This customer can never have a flat driveway as long as the tree is there. Any ideas out there?

[Stonehenge]

Tell your prospective client what the situation is and let them figure it out with their neighbor. Your job is not to be an intermediary for this kind of thing. Tell them what you need to do to construct a proper patio, including removing those roots, and explain to your client that they will have to hash that out with their neighbor.

Good luck

[teacher]

I agree with Stonhenge. Inform the client that in all likelihood the tree will die and have them inform the neighbor. If the client tells you to go ahead with it, have it clearly stated in your contract that you are not responsible for damage to the tree and that you have informed the client of the risks involved. If you are asked to go ahead at that point I would use a root barrier to direct the roots below your base if indeed the tree does not die. We discuss the use of root barriers in detail in our Foundations Skills class at the School for Advanced Segmental Paving, and it is frequently a topic that generates a lot of questions, because it seems as if not to many hardscapers have heard of them. Make sure to cut the roots with a saw and not an ax. This will minimize any vascular damage done to the tree. Also, as an FYI, one manufacturer of root barriers states that cutting tree roots no closer than 3x the diameter of the tree from its trunk will lesson the chance of harm to the tree. Good luck.