The Complete Guide to Tree Pits: Wood Paver Installation Around Trees

Trees contribute shade, beauty, wildlife habitat, and air purification, and they provide irreplaceable character in any outdoor space. However, their root systems can interfere with traditional hardscape installations, leading to cracked surfaces, uneven walkways, or even structural hazards.

This guide is designed to offer a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to laying pavers around trees, ensuring the health of the tree while maintaining a long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing surface. Whether you are a homeowner, landscape contractor, or urban planner, you will find best practices and material recommendations that help protect tree roots, maintain stormwater permeability, and ensure a functional landscape.

We will explore:

• The pros and cons of various hardscape materials
• Techniques to prevent root damage and structural shifting
• The role of permeable surfaces in tree and soil health

Concrete vs. Pavers – Understanding the Impact on Tree Roots

When constructing hardscapes near trees, one of the most important decisions is selecting the right base material. Let’s compare two options: concrete and ProFlow Permeable pavers.

The Problems with Concrete:

• Rigidity: Concrete slabs are monolithic and inflexible. As tree roots grow and expand, they push upward against the slab, causing it to crack or heave.
• Water Barrier: Concrete acts as an impervious barrier, limiting the soil’s ability to absorb rainfall. This disrupts the natural hydrology that trees rely on.
• Root Suffocation: Trees require oxygen to survive, and impermeable concrete can suffocate roots, potentially weakening or killing the tree.
• Repair Difficulty: Any necessary repair to a cracked slab usually involves cutting and repouring large sections, which is both time-consuming and costly.

The Benefits of ProFlow Permeable Pavers:

• Flexibility: Pavers are modular. If root movement displaces one section, only the affected area needs to be adjusted or replaced.
• Permeability: When combined with the right base and joint material, pavers allow air and water to reach the roots below.
• Tree Longevity: Root systems remain healthier for longer, reducing the risk of disease or die-back.
• Design Freedom: Pavers come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, giving you greater creative control over the layout.

For installations around trees, pavers are clearly the superior solution. 

Choosing the Right Paver Material – Why ProFlow Permeable Pavers™ Stand Out

When working near tree roots, it’s essential to choose a material that combines durability with ecological sensitivity. ProFlow Permeable Pavers™ made from Black Locust wood offer a unique set of advantages that make them one of the most suitable options available.

Why Black Locust?

• Natural Durability: Black Locust is one of the most rot-resistant hardwoods in the world, with a natural lifespan exceeding 50 years.
• Chemical-Free: It requires no chemical treatment to resist decay, fungi, or pests, making it safe for the surrounding environment.
• Sustainability: Black Locust is a fast-growing, renewable resource that sequesters carbon and supports regenerative forestry practices.
• Strength: The wood’s density provides exceptional load-bearing capacity, even in high-traffic areas.

Features of ProFlow Permeable Pavers™:

• Setts Design: Modular wooden paver blocks that are easy to install, replace, and maintain.
• Permeability: Designed to allow rainwater infiltration and root aeration, aiding in stormwater management.
• Thermal Properties: Unlike concrete or stone, Black Locust does not overheat in the sun, protecting nearby tree bark and soil microbiota.
• Visual Appeal: With warm tones and a natural grain, these pavers add a natural, organic aesthetic to your landscape.

ProFlow Pavers are currently in use at several high-profile locations, such as Chateau Hanare in West Hollywood, demonstrating their practicality and beauty in tree-sensitive installations.

Installation Best Practices – Preparing the Groundwork

Before you begin any physical work, it’s crucial to assess the tree and the surrounding environment. Here are the most important planning steps:

Step 1: Assess the Tree’s Critical Root Zone (CRZ)

• Measure the tree’s diameter at breast height (DBH).
• Multiply the diameter (in inches) by 1.5 to estimate the CRZ in feet.
• Example: A tree with a 20-inch trunk should have a 30-foot CRZ.

Step 2: Plan Your Distance

• Flexible - can be filled close to the trunk, reduces litter build up
• Design reduces slip and fall incidents 
• Pavers are breathable to allow oxygen and gases as well as water

Step 3: Address Roots Proactively

• Avoid Cutting: Do not sever roots larger than 2 inches in diameter.
• Surface Roots: If roots are visible above the soil, consider using a raised installation with minimal excavation.
• Root Barrier: Install a root barrier beyond the paver edge if long-term root intrusion is a concern.

Step 4: Base Layer and Edge Restraint

• Use a permeable base like Trass bed or crushed stone compacted in layers.
• Install edge restraints that accommodate slight movement but prevent paver spreading.

Proper preparation ensures both the tree and your hardscape remain healthy and stable for decades.

Building the Surface – Materials and Techniques

Once your base is ready, it’s time to install the pavers and fillers. Each component plays a vital role in ensuring permeability and surface integrity.

Installing ProFlow Permeable Pavers™

• Begin laying pavers from the outer edge inward.
• Follow a pattern that distributes pressure evenly.
• Use a rubber mallet to set pavers without damaging the wood surface.
• Maintain consistent spacing to ensure joint filler effectiveness.

Joint Fillers

• The highest-performing joint filler for ProFlow Pavers is ROMEX® FlexJoint.
• This resin-bound sand system:
  
  • Allows water to pass through
  • Prevents weed growth
  • Resists erosion from foot traffic and rainfall
• Combine it with Profi-Deco Binder and Trass Bed for maximum performance.

Finishing Touches

• Sweep excess material and gently rinse the surface.
• Inspect for gaps or inconsistencies.
• Install low-voltage lighting or drainage channels if needed.

The combination of ProFlow Pavers, ROMEX® systems, and a permeable base ensures that both form and function are achieved.

Maintenance and Long-Term Stewardship

A tree-friendly paver installation is a long-term investment. Here’s how to preserve your surface and the health of the tree:

Routine Maintenance

• Annual Inspection: Look for settling, root intrusion, or uneven surfaces.
• Weed Control: Use organic methods if needed, though ROMEX® significantly reduces weed issues.

Tree Care Tips

• Mulch the Root Zone: Keeps roots cool and retains moisture.
• Avoid Heavy Equipment: Do not park vehicles or store materials near the tree.
• Pruning: Hire a certified arborist to prune branches or roots properly.

Aesthetic Enhancements

• Integrate low ground cover plants or moss between pavers.
• Use contrasting patterns to highlight the tree as a focal point.
• Add seating or artistic features for a functional, welcoming space.

Conclusion: Let Nature and Design Grow Together

Designing around trees is not just about protecting roots; it’s about embracing a symbiotic relationship between natural systems and human design. ProFlow Permeable Pavers™, with their ecological materials and thoughtful engineering, offer a solution that respects the life beneath our feet while enhancing the world above.

By following this comprehensive guide, you ensure your trees remain vibrant, your surfaces remain stable, and your landscape tells a story of sustainability and style.

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