One of the concrete sidewalk blocks in front of my house has been raised up about an inch above the adjacent blocks, by the roots of a 20 foot Maple tree. My homeowners insurance company says that I have to lower it to make an even sidewalk. I have a masonry contractor who says we can just lift the block, cut the root as much as is needed, and lower the block down to the right level.

My question is: will this kill the maple? Will any cut to this root be fatal? Any ideas on how to level the sidewalk at the same time as keeping the tree healthy?

Thanks,

JM

I have done a lot of trimming of maple and other tree roots without harming the tree. As long as it isn't too big of a root and too close to the trunk, it should be OK. Wouldn't hurt to cut the top of the tree back some too to balance it.

Another option would be to leave a gap in the concrete, and fill it with blacktop patch. Another bag of patch every few years would allow the tree to grow.