Sugar Maple Trees and Asphalt

[Menchhofer]

A parking lot of a church has been graveled and 1/2 has been paved. Two large sugar maple trees (4 ft dia) are located 6-8 ft from the edge of the blacktop but they remain in the gravel. The church is going to pave the rest of the area but are suddenly concerned about the trees (a little late I would say). The entire root system will be under blacktop.

What experience have you guys had with trees in this situation?

I think the trees will decline over the years and eventually die.

Am I wrong, or do they have a chance?

 

[Stumper]

I think your fears are justified.

 

[Menchhofer]

Originally posted by RockyJSquirrel

I have mixed feelings about interjecting in this type of situation.

I agree 100%.

There is also a huge locust tree nearby with paving around the root zone and it is beginning to die slowly. I would think it should be obvious as to how the tree will respond.

They want me to suggest a "green zone" for the trees, but I am afraid my green zone and what they will allow will not be compatible. I will probably suggest removal with replacement.

 

[glens]

Sounds like that honeylocust across the street from the watering hole, huh Mike (Maas)?

Glen

 

[Kneejerk Bombas]

Glens is talking about a tree that was planted in a small triangle in the pavement. It grew very well and I never could understand why, the opening was only about 10 feet across. I think tree roots can grow and do alright under asphalt, if the tree comes after the asphalt. If it comes before, then there's also the issue of root damage and other problems.
Anyway the Honeylocust Glen's was refering to, last year had the opening covered with more asphalt, right up to the trunk and now it's starting to dieback at the top. It looks funny because there isn't any open soil for 200 feet from this 14" DBH tree.
One thing I've noticed over the years is that the extent of construction damage is very dependent on tree speices. In the case of a Sugar Maple, with it's tendency to root close to the surface, I'd say they have 0% chance. Now do the same thing to a Hicory or Burr Oak, they might stand a chance.
A second factor is the tree's maturity. Older trees can't take the abuse like young ones. It's like if you kick a 20 year old kid, it'll hurt him but he can take it. Now kick a 90 year old man...

 

[a_lopa]

not quite the same but i resently bid a job a row of poplar backing onto a bowling green .the trees were on a bank behind the green the roots were out and under the actual green and loving the conditions,the row continued into open land and the trees got smaller,some were half the size.

 

[WRW]

Would they consider brick or cobblestone? That might allow sufficient water to reach the roots. I'm guessing that the congregation parks around the trees, since they are in the graveled area, and there's no current problem with soil compaction?

 

[arboromega]

cant they make a tree well and put soil or mulch in it, while leaving the trees at orginal grade?
save gods tree or the entire congregation will pay in the lake of fire