How to Lay a Walkway Over a Tree Root

As trees age, roots may protrude through the ground, breaking up existing walkways and driveways. This creates a tripping hazard that must be addressed. Laying a walkway over a tree root allows you to keep the majestic tree in the yard while enjoying a safe walkway. Trimming the tree roots to ground level leads to rot or death; covering the roots with soil is a temporary solution that may eventually kill the tree. On-grade wood decking allows you to lay a walkway over the tree root without disturbing the tree.

Hose or rope
Measuring tape
Digging tools
Gravel
Tamper
Pressure-treated 2-by-4-inch boards
Screws
Power drill
Stakes
Hammer
Decking boards
Water seal
Stepping stones

Instructions

- 1
  Lay out the area for the walkway with a garden hose or rope. Position the walkway so that it straddles the protruding root, and either side is at ground level.
- 2
  Measure the length of the path to determine the number of 2-by-4-inch boards needed for the path. Measure the width to determine how many decking boards are needed and the length to cut each decking board.
- 3
  Dig out the area for the path to remove any sod, plus 2 inches to 3 inches of the soil. Be careful when digging around the root so you do not disturb the tree.
- 4
  Add gravel, and tamp it down to grade so that the area receives proper drainage. Do not cover the root with the gravel.
- 5
  Lay 2-by-4-inch boards on edge along the outside edges of the path. Screw an 18-inch 2-by-4 piece to the inside of connecting joints if multiple 2-by-4s are needed for the length of the path.
- 6
  Drive stakes into the ground along the inside and outside of the 2-by-4-inch boards to keep them from shifting.
- 7
  Lay the decking boards across the walkway between the 2-by-4-inch boards. Leave a 1/8-inch gap between boards to allow water to run through.
- 8
  Screw the decking to the 2-by-4 frame rails, allowing no more than a 1-inch overhang on either side of the path.
- 9
  Seal the deck with two or three coats of a water-seal product for the type of wood used.
- 10
  Place a stepping stone at either end of the walkway if it seems too high for some users.

New Bridge Design Ideas

Installation of Man-Made Stone

Landscaping Walks & Pathways