Tree roots wrecking patio - ideas for a solution?

hi all. I have posted before about the issues I have inherited with the paving in my rental garden Softening 'concrete' flagstones in a victorian coutryard garden and thankfully received some great advice. The garden is looking fab this year thanks to recommendations from GC members, but I've now run up against another issue.

I have a very large tree at the end of the garden (I haven't measured it, but it's as tall as my three storey house and the trunk is around two feet in diameter - you can see it in the far right hand side of the picture) and the roots are now making the paving so uneven that some slabs stick up over 3" higher than those next to them. It's a real minefield and only a matter of time before someone falls over (again!).

I've spoken with a friend who runs a gardening round and he suggested lifting the slabs at that end of the garden and laying a thick bed of slate chips instead, therefore countering any unevenness. This seems a good idea to me, but I have a (very much loved) cat and I'm told they don't like them. Pea shingle is out as apparently they use that as a toilet, so I wondered if anyone else had any ideas? The landlord is cool with whatever I do, so no probs about lifting and removing the slabs.

Any recommendations greatly appreciated,

Stu.

 

Hiya Stu

Firstly, looks good there

Ok.....your cat may use it as a toilet but I would remove the risen slabs and lay white pebbles (as you already have used) instead. It would look just as good and much safer

 

I would lift the slabs concerned (I have done this in the past).
Chop the offending roots off with an axe ,then relay the slabs
Job done.

 

Hello @Clydesdalestu

I have to agree with Verdun...best to cover it with pebbles as your cat won't use that, we have pea gravel on our front garden which is used now and again but it's removed but pea gravel is like the litter you use for cats in their eyes but large gravel or stones no, as cats like to cover their motion.

Your tree is ok and I think this would be your best option especially to match your slabs

 

And you don’t think this will damage the tree? Even though the roots / slabs are only a matter of 3 or 4 feet from the trunk?

 

Proberbly not.
You will only see when lifting a few slabs and make a judgement.
It’s one of your options.
I took masses of roots from a tree,admittedly it was a large conifer.

 

Hiya @Clydesdalestu .... how about getting rid of the uneven slabs, and pile a load of topsoil around the tree, and then plant a load of sedums etc - they would fill the space, and spill over onto the remaining slabs. You could add a few flints too - there are plenty of those lying around the fields in Kent

 

@Tetters what you've mentioned would give an added bonus of look to his garden

 

You could try paddle stones, smooth edged and flat.

 

I've just remembered I have this picture from my previous garden. These are around the base of a young tree.

 

Hi. Thanks for this suggestion. I think they may be a little large as the area will also be a dining, BBQ and transition area to the shed, so I think I'll need something a little easier to walk on. Appreciate your contribution, however.

 

I'm now wondering about some turf and a selection of treated scaffold planks as long stepping stones, laid alternately in brick-weave or curved fashion. That way, the turf can undulate but the strategically placed planks can provide standing / walking space without interfering with the roots. Seem like an idea?

 

Yes, looks wonderful, except, from your photo it doesn`t really look as if you have enough space to do it in that rather small corner
The photo shows a restricted space that appears to be in the shade - so I am confused (probably just my age )

PS.... It would be a nightmare to mow over the roots even if you can get the grass to grow there.

 

You could build a seat?

 

I would work with it without touching the tree a nice seating area round the tree with a small decking area,
Tetters beat me too it