What to Do About Tree Roots Lifting Your Sidewalk

Tree roots and sidewalks don’t always get along. If you’ve noticed your concrete walkway cracking, shifting, or lifting, tree roots are often the culprit. While trees provide valuable shade and beauty, their roots can cause serious—and sometimes hazardous—damage to your hardscape surfaces.

At Perfection Outdoor Solutions, we help homeowners across Tulsa and surrounding areas solve root-related issues without sacrificing curb appeal or safety. In this post, we’ll explain what causes sidewalk lifting, what your options are, and how our team can provide the best long-term solution.

Why tree roots lift sidewalks

Tree roots grow wherever they can find moisture and space. When they encounter compacted soil or hard surfaces like sidewalks, they tend to travel just beneath or alongside them. Over time, certain factors make sidewalk lifting more likely:

• • Shallow root systems – Some trees naturally produce roots close to the surface.
  • Compacted or poor-quality soil – Roots spread horizontally when they can’t grow downward.
  • Limited space – Trees planted too close to sidewalks have no choice but to push outward.
  • Older installations – Sidewalks built without root barriers or proper grading are more vulnerable.

The result is often raised, uneven pavement slabs that pose a tripping hazard, damage lawn equipment, or affect water runoff patterns.

Is removing the tree the only option?

In most cases, no—tree removal is a last resort, not the default solution. At Perfection Outdoor Solutions, we understand the value trees bring to your property. They offer shade, beauty, and environmental benefits, and we aim to preserve healthy trees whenever possible.

That said, every situation is different. Our team will conduct a thorough site evaluation to determine whether the tree species, root growth habits, and proximity to hardscapes or structures make preservation a safe and practical choice.

In some cases, we can solve the issue by:

• • Rerouting the walkway around the root zone
  • Installing root barriers to protect the sidewalk while keeping the tree intact
  • Using flexible paver systems that accommodate future root growth
  • Improving drainage and grading to minimize erosion and soil shifting

However, if the tree is planted too close to your sidewalk, driveway, foundation, or utility lines—and root pruning isn't a viable option—we may advise that you consult a certified arborist. In extreme cases, professional tree removal may be necessary to prevent long-term damage or safety hazards.

Whether we're working around a prized shade tree or addressing a root-damaged path, Perfection Outdoor Solutions is committed to balancing safety, function, and landscape health in every solution we provide.

Common repair options for lifted sidewalks

Depending on the severity of the damage and the condition of your tree, there are multiple strategies we can use to restore your sidewalk safely and effectively. At Perfection Outdoor Solutions, we assess every situation individually and recommend the most durable, cost-effective approach.

1. Root pruning and sidewalk resetting

When the root damage is minimal and the tree is otherwise healthy, root pruning combined with resetting the existing sidewalk may be a viable solution. We carefully expose and cut only the specific roots causing the lifting, making sure not to compromise the tree’s structural integrity.

After root trimming, our team relevels the affected sidewalk panels or pavers, using compacted gravel or sand beneath them to stabilize the surface. This approach works best when:

• • • The sidewalk is only slightly raised
    • The tree roots aren’t critical to the tree’s health
    • The concrete or pavers are still in good condition

However, it’s important to note that pruning must be done conservatively. Cutting too many roots—especially large ones close to the trunk—can increase the tree’s vulnerability to disease, drought, or even structural failure. That’s why we often consult with certified arborists when needed to ensure tree health is preserved.

2. Rerouting or redesigning the sidewalk

When sidewalk lifting is more severe or recurring, it may be better to rethink the layout. Our landscape design experts can help reroute the sidewalk around the root zone, preserving the tree and solving the hardscape problem at the same time.

Redesigning the walkway has several advantages:

• • • Protects valuable, mature trees
    • Prevents recurring root conflicts
    • Enhances curb appeal with a custom, flowing path
    • Allows for integrated landscape lighting, mulch beds, or planting zones along the new route

This option is especially popular in larger yards or homes with informal garden paths. It turns a problem area into a design opportunity.

3. Replacing with a flexible paver surface

If a concrete walkway has already cracked or heaved badly, a full replacement with pavers is often the best long-term solution. Unlike concrete slabs, paver walkways are made up of interlocking units laid over a flexible base. This allows the surface to “move” slightly without breaking if minor root or soil movement occurs.

Our team removes the damaged section, addresses any offending roots, and rebuilds the path using:

• • • A compacted gravel base
    • Geotextile fabric to control weed growth and stabilize the soil
    • Bedding sand for leveling
    • Edge restraints to prevent future shifting

We offer a wide variety of paver shapes, colors, and border options to enhance both style and durability. Pavers are also easier and more affordable to repair in the future if new issues arise.

4. Installing root barriers

When keeping the tree is a priority but root intrusion is ongoing, we may recommend installing a vertical root barrier. These barriers are made of thick plastic or composite sheets that are installed between the sidewalk and the tree’s root zone. Their purpose is to deflect future root growth downward and away from hardscape surfaces.

Root barriers are most effective when:

• • • Installed proactively (such as during sidewalk replacement)
    • Paired with grading improvements to manage runoff
    • Used alongside drainage installations like French drains or dry creek beds to maintain healthy soil moisture levels

At Perfection Outdoor Solutions, we frequently combine this method with patio or walkway rebuilds to ensure long-term stability without harming the surrounding trees or landscapes.

Why hire a professional landscaping company?

When tree roots start lifting your sidewalk, the problem is more than cosmetic—it’s a real safety hazard. Uneven or cracked pathways can cause trips and falls, make snow removal or mowing more difficult, and hurt your curb appeal. Unfortunately, DIY attempts often only address the visible surface damage, leaving the real culprit—root pressure and poor sub-base conditions—untouched.

That’s where a professional landscaping team like Perfection Outdoor Solutions comes in. We take a comprehensive, site-specific approach that ensures your fix is both effective and long-lasting.

Why choose a professional like Perfection Outdoor Solutions?

Thorough site evaluation and diagnostics

• • We don’t just look at the crack—we assess what’s happening underneath.
  • Our team performs detailed evaluations, including root mapping, soil inspection, grading assessment, and runoff tracking to understand the full scope of the issue.

Solutions tailored to your trees, terrain, and goals

• • Whether you have an aging oak or an aggressive root system from a fast-growing maple, we factor in the species, proximity, and health of nearby trees before making recommendations.
  • We also consider your existing landscape layout and long-term goals—like adding a garden bed, reshaping a walkway, or improving accessibility.

Safe and code-compliant hardscape repair

• • We follow local codes and industry best practices when removing and replacing damaged sidewalks or installing new paver paths.
  • Our process includes proper base preparation, edge restraints, and drainage considerations to prevent future lifting.

Integrated landscaping and finishing services

• • Sod repair to match surrounding turf
  • Mulch installation to reduce erosion and improve aesthetics
  • Drainage correction to prevent water pooling that can undermine walkways
  • Landscape lighting to improve visibility and highlight the new design

We understand that every property is unique, and so are its challenges. That’s why Perfection Outdoor Solutions doesn’t offer one-size-fits-all fixes. Instead, we deliver solutions that protect your investment, enhance your landscape, and prioritize safety without sacrificing beauty.

In short, we don’t just fix the symptoms—we design a plan that keeps your outdoor spaces healthy, functional, and attractive for years to come.

Cities and communities we serve

Perfection Outdoor Solutions proudly offers sidewalk and hardscape repair throughout:

• • Tulsa
  • Broken Arrow
  • Bixby
  • Jenks
  • Owasso
  • Claremore
  • Sand Springs
  • Sapulpa
  • Glenpool
  • Surrounding Tulsa metro areas

Stop tripping over tree root damage—call us today

Don’t let tree roots ruin your sidewalk—or your yard’s appearance. Contact Perfection Outdoor Solutions for a professional assessment and a clear plan to restore safety and structure to your property. Whether you need root pruning, walkway redesign, or full hardscape replacement, we’re here to help.

Call now or request a free estimate for sidewalk repairs, paver walkways, landscape design, and more throughout Tulsa and surrounding areas.