You walk outside, coffee in hand, and there it is—your once-smooth walkway, now a twisted mess of cracked concrete.
The culprit? Tree roots.
And while that old tree provides shade, character, and natural appeal, its roots have been slowly shifting the ground beneath your feet. Tree roots, while in search of nutrients and water, can wreak havoc on your walkway, causing tripping hazards and structural damage
So, what now?
Do you rip out the tree? Patch the walkway? Pour a new walkway?
This guide breaks down repair and replacement options, costs, and the best approach for your situation (Only real solutions, not the band-aid fixes you’ll regret later).
🔹 What it is: Using a specialized grinder to shave down the raised concrete so it’s level again.
🔹 Cost: $5 – $15 per square foot
🔹 Pros: Fast, cheap, and no need to mess with the tree.
🔹 Cons: Doesn’t fix the underlying problem—roots keep growing, and you’ll likely need another fix in a few years.
👉 Best for: Small lifts (under 1 inch) where tree removal isn’t an option.
🔹 What it is: Raising the sunken sections and re-leveling them with foam injection or mud jacking.
🔹 Cost: $8 – $25 per square foot
🔹 Pros: Extends the life of the walkway without complete replacement.
🔹 Cons: Still doesn’t stop root growth. In some cases, the slab might settle again.
👉 Best for: Walkways that have dipped or shifted but aren’t severely cracked.
🔹 What it is: Removing the affected walkway, addressing the root issue, and pouring fresh concrete.
🔹 Cost: $12 – $35 per square foot, depending on complexity
🔹 Pros: Long-term solution, customizable design, and increased property value.
🔹 Cons: Higher initial cost, requires root management.
👉 Best for: Severely cracked or lifted walkways where longevity matters.
If a complete replacement is in the cards, don’t just pour standard concrete and call it a day. Here’s what to consider:
✅ Reinforced Concrete – Adds strength and durability.
✅ Pervious Concrete – Allows water to pass through, reducing root pressure.
✅ Stamped Concrete – Aesthetic upgrade without sacrificing strength.
✅ Expansion Joints – Helps absorb movement and prevent future cracks.
👉 Need professional help? See our concrete services here.
Fixing the walkway is one thing, but what about the tree? If you don’t address the roots, the problem will come back.
Here’s what to consider:
An arborist can trim the invasive roots without harming the tree. This method works if the roots aren’t the primary support system for the tree’s stability.
Installing a root barrier keeps future growth from pushing up your new walkway. This involves digging a trench and placing a durable barrier that directs roots downward.
Removal might be the only choice if the tree is causing severe foundation issues or leaning awkwardly. However, this is the most expensive option and should be a last resort.
Grinding or re-leveling could work if the lift is minor and you’re okay with a short-term solution.
But if you want a lasting fix, replacement, and root management are the way to go.
At BEAS Concrete, we’ve been handling jobs like this for over 15 years.
We know the terrain, the trees, and what works best. If your walkway looks more like an obstacle course, let’s fix it right.
