Question
I understand that a Ponderosa pines tap root goes very deep.
however,can there be surface roots systems that extend out from the tree base?
I have 3 large pines near my carport,and Asphalt drive way. It appears that roots are causing the asphalt to rise and crack in several areas up to 15 ft from the base. The asphalt is old and has not been maintained or sealed in years, and there are many small hair line cracks in other areas. Question: could the raising and growing height and width of the cracks be contributed to moisture getting into the cracked asphalt and the freezing and and expansion causing the problem,and I'm suspecting the tree roots as the cause. I live in the northwest with snow and freezing weather several months of the year.


Answer
They have a tap root but also has roots that extend about the distance of the branches. !5 feet from the trunk should be far enough to not have a problem with root lifting the asphalt drive. I would think the freezing water is what the problem is. Sounds like it is a problem with old asphalt and freezing water cracking the drive over time.