Tree Root Heave: Damaged Burnaby Walkway Repair

The Challenge

A homeowner in Burnaby was experiencing a significant issue with their front walkway. A majestic 250-year-old pine tree on the property had created substantial problems as its extensive root system began to heave sections of the concrete walkway leading to the front door. Two concrete slabs in particular were severely affected, creating uneven surfaces and dangerous trip hazards for anyone approaching the home.

The situation was complicated by a gate installation that spanned the affected area, making both access and repair more challenging. The homeowner needed a solution that would restore safety while preserving the historic tree that added so much character and value to their property.

Our Solution

Upon assessment, our Level Best Concrete Lifting team educated the homeowner about the unique challenges presented by tree root heaving. Unlike typical settlement issues, concrete affected by tree roots behaves differently and requires specialized approaches. We developed a customized plan to address the specific situation.

What We Did:

1. Property Preparation: We carefully removed the gate posts to gain proper access to the affected walkway sections without causing damage to the existing installations.
2. Specialized Lifting: Unlike our typical foam injection process, this unique situation required manual lifting of the two concrete slabs that had been heaved by the tree roots. We precisely adjusted each section to create a level surface.
3. Transition Smoothing: We meticulously adjusted the panels in front of and behind the heaved sections to create smooth, even transitions throughout the entire walkway, eliminating all trip hazards.
4. Final Assessment: After completing the levelling work, we performed a thorough inspection to ensure all trip hazards had been eliminated and that the walkway provided safe passage to the front door.

The Results

The transformation restored both safety and aesthetics to the property’s entrance. What was once a hazardous, uneven walkway became a smooth, level surface that eliminated trip risks while maintaining the health and integrity of the historic pine tree.

Our specialized approach allowed us to address this unique situation without damaging the tree roots or requiring complete concrete replacement. The properly adjusted walkway now provides safe access to the home while preserving the natural beauty of the property.

Benefits & Takeaways

The homeowner was extremely pleased with the results of our work. Our solution provided several important benefits:

• Eliminated dangerous trip hazards without harming the valuable 250-year-old pine tree
• Restored proper functionality to the main entrance walkway
• Preserved the existing concrete rather than requiring costly replacement
• Allowed for the reinstallation of the gate by the homeowner
• Provided a more cost-effective solution than alternate approaches
• Educated the homeowner about the unique behaviour of concrete affected by tree roots

Is This Solution Right for You?

If you have concrete surfaces affected by tree roots in Burnaby or surrounding areas, our specialized lifting and adjustment services may be the ideal solution. Watch for these warning signs:

• Sections of concrete that appear raised or uneven near large trees
• Visible cracking in concrete walkways, driveways, or patios around trees
• Trip hazards developing where previously level surfaces existed
• Difficulty with gates, doors, or other installations due to shifting concrete

Addressing these issues promptly can prevent more serious problems and potential injuries from trips and falls.

Contact Level Best Concrete Lifting

Our expert team at Level Best Concrete Lifting has the specialized knowledge and experience to address unique concrete challenges such as tree root heaving. We understand the importance of preserving valuable trees while restoring safety and functionality to your concrete surfaces throughout Burnaby and the Lower Mainland.