Question
I have 25' oak next to my paver patio and I'm suspecting that a large root is causing my patio to have a hump in it that is about 10" higher than the surrounding patio.  Can I trim this root off to re-level my patio?  The patio begins about 1' from the tree base and the "rise" in the patio begins at the patio edge.

Answer
Don:
It is difficult to say how much the root cutting/removal might jeopardize the overall health.  I wish there were an easy reply. I would ascertain first what other roots are present and do they have a good space to grow in or are they confined by other objects in the soil. It may be best to have a certified arborist examine this situation before getting out the chainsaw.  Check with your city govt. or the yellow pages for tree care professionals to contact.

Regards
Steve