I have a small back yard (~15' x 12' total) which is currently dominated by two features: 1. A very tired old concrete patio, 12'x8' total split into four blocks, which isn't even close to level. 2. A 40-year-old 40-50' oak tree with a large root system.
The concrete needs to go - it's sloped towards the house, so water pools there every time it rains, which is definitely not healthy for my foundation. I've considered trying to re-level it, but that wouldn't solve the (literally) underlying problem: the tree roots. The oak tree is growing under and between the concrete and pushing up the edge of it farthest from the house. I don't think it would stay level very long. Plus the concrete is pretty ugly...
My plan so far is to break out all the concrete with a sledge; correct the grading by filling with base material; and install a new patio with either pavers, a gravel grid system, or something else more flexible (and likely a little smaller) than the existing concrete.
Here are a couple renders: The current scenario and my current plan for the final patio (still a work in progress).
I have a couple of concerns:
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I don't want to hurt the tree. I'm going to try not to cover any significant roots that are already exposed, as I know they're required for oxygen. But the roots are pretty much everywhere. Is there any size limit to roots I could cut through if absolutely necessary? And should I worry about harming the roots in the process of compacting the base material?
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I need to work around the roots to place the new patio. As such the base material thickness won't be even everywhere, especially closer to the tree. Some of the pavers will essentially be seated on top of the roots. The patio will have to be designed for flexibility so I can adjust it later as the tree continues to move, but... Does anyone have experience or advice for this kind of scenario?
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I'm currently planning to make the new patio rectangular, or as close as I can get considering the tree scenario. Do you think my draft layout makes sense, or would you try something different?
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I'll be trimming up the bottom of the back gate a few inches in order to make a step (~7" high) at the yard entrance. Planning to get a single stone for that step, so 7" high x 36" wide x 7+" thick. Ideally I will place the last course of pavers (or gravel grid, or...) right up to the step to make a continuous surface. However, that will necessitate covering up the large root that currently crosses the path. It will probably push the pavers around over time , but would there be any other problems?
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