Question
We live in Bradenton, FL and have a 6 year old oak tree in the front yard with a trunk diameter of approximately 8". It was planted about 3 ft from our driveway and 4' from the sidewalk. We have a very small, sloping front yard and we are concerned that the roots of the tree will eventually break, crack or lift up the driveway and sidewalk. Is this a possibility? It is a beautiful tree, can this be harvested for transplant or must it be destroyed?

Thank you, Robin

Answer
It is too large to transplant. I would not be concerned. As the tree grows there may be some lifting up of the cement by the roots BUT this will be many years down the road and very slight. If you walk down some sidewalks in some towns that have large oaks along the street you will see some of the walks lifting up by the roots of these very large and old trees. All they really do is cause a hump in the walk. This may happen but we are talking 30-40-50 years down the road. I would relax and enjoy the tree.