Hey guys. I have a crabapple tree on my easement that just this year started buckling my sidewalk with a root. Tree is 15 years old and was put in at the same time as the sidewalk by the builder of our sub. It's causing a trip hazard and I'm not looking to get sued. Lol.

I've taken care of the tree (unlike most of my neighbors and have pruned and fertilized it every year).

Obviously the root has to go to avoid continued damage or damage to new concrete if i end up replacing it.

What the likelihood that I cut the root out that it 1) doesn't kill the tree and 2) that the root doesn't regrow in the same direction/route and mess up new concrete a couple years down the road?  

This year has been really dry and I purposely have not run my inground sprinklers hoping that that would cause the roots to want to turn deeper.

Anyone have experience with similar situation?
Any other ideas?  

Thanks
J-

When I bought my house it had a crabapple tree. First thing I did was get rid of that damn thing. Way more trouble that it is worth. Cut it down and it pretty much died. 8 years later pushed the stump and it just rolled over. It is in the backyard that really cannot get to unless I go out the front door or garage so didn't worry about it till I wondered how the stump was. Pushed it and nothing under it but new dirt. It died after chopping it down. Highly recommend you do the same.

Smart man. I hate crab apple trees and really don't get why people allow them.

they are the "builders special" of trees. Cheap and idiot proof till they do shit like this,lol

J-

Tree diameter at chest height?

Root diameter?

Diameter at chest is aprox 10-12 inch

Diameter of the root causing the issue I would estimate at about 4-6inch.

J-

That is a very large lateral root.

Decent odds it will kill a major portion of the tree canopy.

You can always cut out a section of the sidewalk and use cold patch asphalt to repair.

It will be a maintenance issue though.

Problem with that fix is I'm in a sub with a HOA.

J-

I would do it anyway.

If they call you on it remove the tree and repair the section.

I may do that.

Thanks

J-