Question
I have an ancient live oak next to my home and I would like to install a concrete driveway about 10 feet from the base of it. How will this effect my tree. the tree is about 48-60 inches in diameter and has a spread of about 100+ feet. The house was built in 1950 right next to the tree and the roots must be all around the area. i don't want to hurt the tree in any way, hence the question. There are some surface roots in the area to be paved. Can I cut them or pave over them?
I can send photos if it would help answer these questions.
Thanks,
Bill

Answer
You can cut and pave over the roots BUT the foliage of the tree will be effected and you will see some die back. The problem is the closeness to the tree that you are digging -- trees can not stand to have more than 25% of their roots cut without damage cutting across a circle that is 100 feet across (the spread of this tree) and cutting 10 feet from the tree will cut looks like more than 1/3 of the roots. Looking down on the circle and cutting through the "pie" gives a picture of the roots cut. You can pave over the roots if you do not cut them but this may lead to the roots lifting the driveway paving many years from now. This will cover the roots and not allow rainfall to get to that part of the ground. Crushed rock may work better. But I think I would contact a Certified Arborist and ask him to come out and advice you on what can be done to protect the tree and put the driveway in. Here is the web site for the organization that certifies the Arborist and you can find one in your area. These may or may not be the local "tree Service " company.
http://www.isa-arbor.com/findArborist/findarborist.aspx