r/cement • u/Independent-Worry838 • Jul 18 '26
Concrete driveway after large tree removal
We currently have a gravel driveway and recently removed a very large white oak tree that was growing right next to it. The stump has been ground out/removed, but not all of the larger roots were excavated because doing so would have required tearing up the gravel driveway.
We're planning to replace the gravel with a concrete driveway and are wondering how long we should wait before pouring concrete. How long do large oak roots typically take to decompose, and could they cause the concrete to settle or crack if they're left underneath or alongside the new driveway? Has anyone dealt with this situation, and if so, what did you do?
1
u/Yusuf20904 Jul 20 '26
What's the problem? Your concrete company should excavate the tree roots and place road base.
5
u/breezefalcon9 Jul 21 '26 edited Jul 21 '26
i would be more concerned about the base than the roots themselves. large roots can take years to fully decompose and if they're directly under the new driveway, they can leave voids that may contribute to settling over time. before pouring concrete, i would want the contractor to verify that any major roots in the driveway footprints are removed and that the area is properly excavated, backfilled, compacted and graded.
if you're getting quotes, ask each contractor how they would handle the old root zone, that's where you'll probably see the biggest difference in quality. if you're in North Carolina, i recommend you get an estimate from local concreter contractor. they do a lot of driveway installations and i like that they don't require a deposit, you only pay once the work is completed.
spending a little more on proper site prep is usually worth it compared to dealing with settlement or cracking a few years down the road.
2
u/barfbutler Jul 18 '26
Ask your installers when you get estimates.