Can Tree Roots Cause Concrete to Sink or Lift?

Trees add beauty, shade, and character to your yard, but they can also cause hidden problems. If you have noticed concrete slabs shifting, cracking, or lifting near trees, you are not imagining things. Tree roots are a common cause of both sunken and raised concrete around homes in the Lower Mainland.

Understanding how tree roots interact with soil and concrete can help you prevent damage and choose the right solution when problems arise. Whether it is your driveway, walkway, patio, or steps, root-related movement can lead to safety hazards and costly repairs if ignored.

Here is what every homeowner should know about tree roots and concrete damage.

How Tree Roots Affect Concrete

Roots are constantly seeking water and nutrients. As they grow, they expand outward and upward. In some cases, they push against the bottom of a concrete slab, slowly lifting it over time. In others, they disturb the soil around the slab, leading to voids and uneven support. This causes the slab to sink or tilt.

Tree roots do not have to break through the concrete to cause damage. Even shallow roots growing close to the surface can disrupt the stability of walkways, driveways, and patios.

Some of the most common problems include:

• Raised slabs near mature trees

• Cracks radiating outward from root paths

• Uneven surfaces on one side of a walkway or driveway

• Visible gaps between slabs and nearby structures

These changes often happen slowly but can worsen quickly after heavy rain or during seasonal growth spurts.

Which Trees Cause the Most Damage

While any tree has the potential to disturb soil or concrete, some are more likely to cause problems based on their root systems.

• Maples and willows are known for aggressive and shallow root growth

• Poplars, alders, and elms also spread their roots widely

• Fruit trees, while smaller, can still shift soil if planted too close to hardscapes

Roots often grow far beyond the width of the canopy. That means a tree planted two meters from your driveway might still affect it five or ten years later.

Sinking vs Lifting: How Roots Do Both

It may seem confusing that roots can cause slabs to lift in one area and sink in another. This depends on how the roots interact with the surrounding soil.

• Lifting occurs when roots grow under the slab and push it upward. This is most common with large surface roots that spread close to the ground.

• Sinking happens when roots absorb moisture from the soil, causing it to shrink. Roots can also disturb the soil structure, leaving empty pockets that no longer support the slab.

In some cases, a tree causes both effects in different parts of the same surface. For example, the edge of a patio may be raised while the center drops due to missing support.

Signs Tree Roots Are Causing the Problem

If you are not sure whether roots are behind your uneven concrete, look for these clues:

• Cracks that follow a curving or spreading pattern

• Raised sections near tree trunks or large roots

• Soil pulling away from the edges of concrete after dry weather

• Uneven steps or patio areas close to mature trees

• Slabs that slope in the direction of nearby roots

These signs suggest the soil has been shifted, compacted, or lifted due to underground growth.

What You Should Not Do

Many homeowners try to solve the problem by cutting the roots. While this may seem like a quick fix, it can actually do more harm than good.

Cutting major roots can destabilize the tree, making it more likely to fall during storms. It can also cause the tree to decline over time or grow more aggressively in other directions. In some cases, cutting roots may violate local bylaws or create legal issues if the tree is on a shared property line.

Digging up and replacing the concrete is also not always necessary. This can be expensive, messy, and only a temporary fix if the soil is not stabilized.

The Smarter Solution: Foam Injection Lifting

Instead of tearing out concrete or damaging trees, there is a better way. Foam injection lifting offers a safe and efficient way to correct uneven slabs without removing them or disturbing the surrounding roots.

Here is how it works:

1. Small holes are drilled into the affected slab

2. Polyurethane foam is injected beneath the surface

3. The foam expands, fills empty spaces, and gently lifts the slab

4. The material hardens within minutes and stabilizes the soil

This method strengthens the ground around roots without harming them. It restores a level surface and helps prevent future shifting caused by water or soil movement.

Because the process uses small access points, there is no damage to landscaping or trees. The foam is also waterproof and long-lasting, making it ideal for areas with moisture-sensitive soil.

When to Consider Lifting Your Concrete

Foam injection lifting is a good option if you notice:

• Raised or sunken slabs near trees

• Gaps forming between the concrete and nearby structures

• Pooling water around roots or walkways

• Cracks that keep getting worse over time

• Tripping hazards or sloped surfaces near high-traffic areas

This service is especially useful for driveways, walkways, patios, steps, and garage floors affected by shifting soil or roots.

How to Prevent Future Issues

While you cannot always stop roots from growing, you can take steps to protect your concrete:

• Avoid planting large trees too close to driveways or walkways

• Use root barriers when installing new hardscapes

• Keep tree roots healthy and hydrated to reduce soil shrinkage

• Watch for early signs of movement or cracking in concrete surfaces

• Schedule regular inspections if you have large trees near key areas

Proactive maintenance and early repair go a long way in preventing long-term damage.

Tree roots and concrete do not always get along, but that does not mean you have to choose one over the other. If you are seeing signs of movement near trees, contact Level Best Concrete Lifting for a free estimate and expert help. Your concrete and your trees can both stay strong with the right solution. post content here