My driveway has turned into a mudbath this winter. The paving slabs have become loosened by the roots of the tree growing close by.
I want to replace the drive - a spring project - but keep the tree. I'm a competent DIY-er (I refurbish and sell houses as a hobby, have built my own garage, laid patio's etc.) so should be fine with this.
My tree surgeon friend has advised I could take the tree roots up under the driveway without risk of damaging the tree or it falling in high wind, as the main roots are deeper than I'm likely to dig.
My questions:
I want to replace the drive - a spring project - but keep the tree. I'm a competent DIY-er (I refurbish and sell houses as a hobby, have built my own garage, laid patio's etc.) so should be fine with this.
My tree surgeon friend has advised I could take the tree roots up under the driveway without risk of damaging the tree or it falling in high wind, as the main roots are deeper than I'm likely to dig.
My questions:
- What's likely to be a good replacement surface to lay? As a DIY project I'm thinking either to re-lay the two lanes of paving slabs (possibly onto a deep foundation of MOT1 & concrete) or look at those plastic grids with gravel. Any other ideas?
- What's an effective way of clearing tree roots? It's an established tree, 30ft high. I dug out roots for the foundations of my garage and it was a horrible job. 6 weeks of slow progress, constantly blunting axes and chainsaws. Will a mini digger or stump grinder make better progress?