Yes, tree roots can damage concrete sidewalks, mainly by lifting panels as they grow and creating uneven edges or cracks. Roots don’t usually break concrete by force alone, but as they expand under a slab, they push it up and change the support beneath it.
Lifted sidewalk sections are one of the most common trip hazards in older neighborhoods. Understanding how roots affect concrete helps you decide what to do about it.
How Roots Lift Concrete
Many trees spread their roots close to the surface, where water and oxygen are easiest to reach. The soil under a sidewalk often stays moist because the concrete slows evaporation. That makes it an attractive place for roots to grow.
As a root thickens over the years, it pushes upward. The sidewalk panel above it tilts or rises, leaving a raised edge at the joint. Sometimes the panel cracks across the middle where the pressure is greatest.
Large shade trees that line many older streets can keep growing for decades, so a sidewalk that was level when it was built may slowly change shape as the tree matures. That slow movement is why root damage often seems to appear out of nowhere.
Signs Roots Are the Cause
Root damage often has a recognizable pattern:
- a panel lifted on one side, usually toward a nearby tree,
- cracks that fan out from a high point,
- raised joints that get worse slowly over several years, and
- visible roots along the edge of the sidewalk.
Not every lifted panel is caused by roots, though. Poor base preparation, water washing out soil and settling can cause similar problems. Looking at the whole area helps confirm the real cause.
What Can Be Done
The fix depends on the condition of the concrete and the tree. Sometimes a lifted panel can be repaired or replaced with planning that gives the area more room. Other times, the sidewalk route or design needs adjustment.
Cutting large roots is not a simple decision. It can harm or destabilize a tree, and trees near public sidewalks may be protected or managed by the city. Talking with a certified arborist is a good idea before any root work. If the sidewalk sits in the public right-of-way, check with the City of Burlington first.
Planning New Concrete Near Trees
When a new sidewalk is planned, distance from existing trees, expected root growth and drainage should be part of the conversation. Choosing tree species carefully for new plantings near walks can also reduce future problems.
Our concrete sidewalk work considers trees, drainage and the base together. For sections that only need targeted work, our page on sidewalk repair explains that approach.
If roots are lifting a sidewalk at your Burlington property, we can look at the damage and help you choose a sensible next step.
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