Tree Roots Lifting Driveway Pavers — Oakland, California

Large shade trees planted near driveways often send lateral roots just below the surface, gradually heaving pavers upward and creating uneven, trip-hazard surfaces. The damage tends to worsen each growing season as roots thicken and extend further under the paved area. Simply releveling the pavers without addressing the root cause provides only a temporary fix — the roots will push them up again within a year or two. A landscaper experienced with both tree care and hardscaping can evaluate whether selective root pruning, a root barrier installation, or a paver redesign with a wider setback is the safest long-term solution that protects both the tree's health and the driveway's integrity.