Question
Hi, I'd like to put a small patio into an area that is adjacent to a huge maple.  Some of the roots are visible and grass doesn't grow very well in this area.  I don't know what kind of material to use.  It would be next to a grassy area on one side.  I was thinking of packed gravel - but I'm worried about some of the stones getting into the grass area.  Do you have any suggestions for the best material to use?  Should we cut some of the roots?  Thanks for your help.  I live in the Toronto area.

Answer
Hello:

Gravel will not make a good patio surface and it is not advisable to cut tree roots. Your options would be to remove the tree or locate the patio away from the tree so that the roots will not interfere

And perhaps another option would be to construct a raised deck instead of a patio. This could be located closer to the tree. Perhaps the posts could be placed between the tree roots or spaced across the root zone and also you might be able to have the trunk of the tree portrude through the deck.

Good materials for a patio include concrete pavers,poured concrete,stone and brick.


Mark Harshman


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