Blog

Knoxville is known for its beautiful, tree-lined neighborhoods — shaded yards, old-growth oaks, maples, and poplars, and mature landscaping that adds charm to every street. But what many homeowners don’t realize is that the same trees bringing beauty and shade can also be slowly destroying their driveway from below.

Tree root damage is one of the most common — and most misunderstood — causes of cracks, bumps, and uneven asphalt in East Tennessee. Here’s why it happens, how to spot it early, and what you can do to prevent long-term driveway damage.

1. Knoxville’s Soil Makes the Problem Worse

Tree roots spread far and wide because they’re searching for moisture — and Knoxville’s clay-heavy soil holds water unevenly. That means roots naturally travel outward and upward, often settling directly beneath driveways and walkways where moisture collects.

As roots grow, they:

• Push upward against the asphalt

• Create raised or buckled areas

• Cause cracks to spread across the surface

• Disrupt the base layer that supports the driveway

Even small, hair-like roots can start creating structural issues over time.

2. Roots Follow Water — and Driveways Are Water Magnets

Asphalt surfaces naturally draw in moisture from rain and runoff. Micro-cracks give water a path downward, creating damp pockets underneath the slab.

Tree roots detect those moisture zones and shift toward them, eventually growing under and around the driveway.

This leads to:

• Lifting or heaving

• Foundation erosion

• Widening cracks

• Surface instability

• Potholes and dips

The longer it continues, the more extensive the damage becomes.

3. Certain Trees in Knoxville Are “Driveway Destroyers”

Some common Tennessee species are especially aggressive root growers:

• Silver maples

• Poplars

• Sweetgum

• Willow trees

• Large oaks planted too close to driveways

These species can send roots 30+ feet outward — and often right under your driveway if planted nearby.

4. Early Warning Signs Homeowners Should Watch For

Tree-root driveway damage is usually subtle at first. Keep an eye out for:

• Uneven or raised areas

• Long cracks leading toward a tree

• Small bumps that gradually grow

• Crumbling edges

• Moist spots where water pools after rain

• Ant mounds or soft soil near cracks

These signs mean roots are already disturbing the sub-base beneath your asphalt.

5. Why “Quick Fixes” Don’t Work

Many homeowners try DIY patching or cold patch fillers — but these only mask symptoms, not roots.

If the root structure underneath keeps growing:

• New cracks will form

• Old cracks will reopen

• The driveway surface becomes unstable

• Resurfacing won’t last

Ignoring the root cause leads to bigger, more expensive paving issues later.

6. How Professional Paving Stops Root Damage for Good

Experienced asphalt contractors, like Payless Paving, use long-term solutions that address the problem below the surface, including:

• Root barrier installation where possible

• Rebuilding the base layer to remove damage

• Resurfacing or repaving with proper grading

• Improving drainage so water doesn’t draw roots toward the slab

• Strategic cutting and root pruning (with care not to kill the tree)

These methods ensure your new asphalt lasts far longer without root intrusion.

7. Prevention Tips for Knoxville Homeowners

You can reduce future root damage by:

• Planting large trees at least 20–25 feet from the driveway

• Choosing species with less aggressive roots (e.g., dogwood, redbud)

• Maintaining proper drainage around the driveway

• Sealcoating every 2–3 years to reduce water penetration

• Fixing cracks early before moisture attracts roots

A little planning goes a long way in protecting your pavement.

Protect Your Driveway — and Keep Your Trees

Tree roots are a part of life in East Tennessee’s beautiful neighborhoods, but that doesn’t mean they have to ruin your driveway. With the right maintenance and professional care, you can enjoy healthy trees and a smooth, long-lasting asphalt surface.

If your driveway has cracks, bumps, lifted areas, or signs of tree-root damage, Payless Paving can help restore it quickly and affordably.