What to Do When Tree Roots Damage Your Lawn or Walkway

Tree roots may be out of sight, but when they cause visible damage to your lawn, garden beds, or walkways, they quickly become a major concern. Homeowners across Greenville and surrounding areas often call us when they see cracked concrete, raised pavers, or bare, bumpy patches in the lawn—all signs that aggressive roots are at work underground.

If you're dealing with root-related landscape damage, here's what you need to know—and how Morales Landscaping & Tree Service can help.

Why tree roots cause lawn and walkway damage

Tree roots are incredibly persistent. As they grow outward in search of water, oxygen, and nutrients, they can stretch well beyond the visible canopy of the tree. Over time, these expanding roots can cause significant disruption to your lawn, walkways, and surrounding landscape features.

Here’s how the damage often develops:

• • Roots displace soil, which can create uneven or raised surfaces in lawns and hardscapes. This is especially common around sidewalks, patios, or driveways.
  • Hard surfaces like pavers and concrete are vulnerable to pressure from growing roots. Cracking, lifting, and buckling are signs that roots are forcing their way upward from below.
  • In lawn areas, tree roots compete directly with turfgrass, depriving it of moisture and nutrients. This leads to bare patches, thinning grass, and uneven ground.
  • Roots may also invade underground irrigation lines, disrupting your sprinkler system and causing uneven watering or leaks.
  • In some cases, they interfere with drainage systems, either by obstructing the flow or by altering the grade of the soil, leading to pooling water and erosion.
  • All of these issues reduce both the safety and the curb appeal of your property, making walkways hazardous and green spaces difficult to maintain.

In Upstate South Carolina’s humid, subtropical climate, trees grow quickly—especially during the spring and summer months when rainfall is abundant. This accelerates root expansion and makes prompt intervention even more important. Left untreated, the damage can escalate and affect other features of your landscape.

That’s why Morales Landscaping & Tree Service not only addresses root-related issues but also provides comprehensive lawn care, drainage correction, paver repairs, sod installation, and hardscaping services to restore the beauty and function of your yard. Whether you're dealing with exposed roots, uneven ground, or broken walkways, we can help you resolve the problem and prevent it from coming back.

Signs of root-related damage

Watch for these common symptoms that tree roots are the culprit behind your landscaping issues:

• • Cracks or uneven surfaces in concrete walkways or patios
  • Raised or heaved paver stones
  • Bare or thinning areas of lawn near large trees
  • Drainage issues caused by root obstruction
  • Tree roots visible above ground, especially near sidewalks or driveways

The earlier you identify the problem, the easier—and more affordable—it is to correct.

Can you remove the roots?

Root removal is possible, but it must be done with caution. Improper cutting can:

• • Stress the tree, making it vulnerable to pests or disease
  • Destabilize the tree, increasing the risk of falling during storms
  • Trigger rapid regrowth, making the problem worse over time

That’s why we always recommend having a professional assess the situation before any roots are cut. In many cases, we can resolve the issue without harming the tree at all.

Effective solutions for root damage

Morales Landscaping & Tree Service offers a comprehensive approach to resolving root-related issues without sacrificing the health of your trees or the beauty of your outdoor spaces. Our goal is to restore safety, function, and curb appeal while preventing the problem from recurring.

Root pruning with care

In cases where roots are beginning to interfere with walkways, driveways, or lawn areas, careful root pruning can offer a balanced solution.

• • We selectively remove only non-structural roots that are causing damage, preserving the tree’s stability and health.
  • Whenever possible, pruning is done during the dormant season to minimize stress on the tree.
  • All work is completed with attention to best practices in arboriculture to avoid disease or regrowth in the wrong direction.

This method is ideal when the damage is minimal or just beginning and allows the landscape to recover without major disruption. Root pruning is often paired with lawn restoration, new sod installation, or paver repairs for a full solution.

Installing root barriers

When long-term root control is needed, we recommend root barriers—durable membranes that guide roots away from critical areas.

• • Installed vertically in the soil, these barriers prevent roots from reaching sidewalks, patios, retaining walls, or foundations.
  • They are especially effective around fast-growing species known for invasive roots, such as maples, willows, or poplars.
  • Root barriers can be combined with selective pruning for added effectiveness.

This is a proactive solution for homeowners looking to protect new installations or prevent future issues around valuable landscape features. Morales Landscaping & Tree Service includes this technique in new hardscaping projects to ensure durability.

Lawn restoration and grading

Once root damage is under control, restoring the surrounding area is essential to bringing your yard back to life.

Our team can:

• • Level and regrade areas affected by root heave to eliminate tripping hazards and uneven ground.
  • Add fresh topsoil and sod, seamlessly blending repaired sections into the existing lawn.
  • Adjust site grading to improve drainage, reducing surface runoff that can expose roots or cause future erosion.

In more severe cases, we can also install French drains, swales, or dry creek beds to help manage excess water—benefiting both your lawn and your trees.

Walkway or patio repair

If your paver patio, walkway, or concrete surface has been compromised by root pressure, we can rebuild it to be stronger and more resilient.

• • Our crew lifts and reinstalls pavers with a reinforced, well-compacted base to prevent future shifting.
  • For concrete surfaces, we remove and replace damaged sections, ensuring a consistent appearance and improved structural integrity.
  • We may also install flexible edging or expansion zones to accommodate future root growth without cracking.

Every repair is done with both function and aesthetics in mind. When finished, your outdoor spaces will be safe, level, and more attractive than before.

No matter the extent of the damage, Morales Landscaping & Tree Service has the tools, experience, and skill to restore your property—and protect your investment. We integrate tree care, drainage correction, hardscaping, and lawn renovation to offer full-service solutions tailored to your property’s needs.

Should the tree be removed?

In some cases, removal may be the safest option—especially if the tree:

• • Is too close to the home or foundation
  • Has caused recurring issues over several seasons
  • Shows signs of decline or structural instability

We’ll provide an honest assessment and recommend removal only when necessary. Our team is fully equipped for safe, professional tree removal and stump grinding.

Preventing future problems

The best way to avoid future root damage is to plan your landscape design with tree roots in mind. We can help by:

• • Selecting tree species with less invasive roots
  • Installing root barriers during new construction or landscape renovations
  • Keeping trees a safe distance from walkways, patios, and foundations
  • Offering regular landscape maintenance to catch root issues early

By designing smarter from the start, you protect your lawn, your hardscapes, and your investment.

Proudly serving Upstate South Carolina

Morales Landscaping & Tree Service provides professional landscaping, tree services, drainage solutions, and hardscape repairs across:

• • Greenville
  • Clemson
  • Easley
  • Greer
  • Landrum
  • Salem
  • Seneca
  • Simpsonville
  • Travelers Rest

Get expert help for root damage today

If your lawn or walkway is suffering from root damage, trust the experienced team at Morales Landscaping & Tree Service to diagnose and fix the issue the right way. We offer honest advice, professional solutions, and beautiful results.

Call today or request an estimate to get started. We proudly serve Greenville and surrounding areas with expert landscaping, drainage, and tree care services tailored to your property’s needs.