Ash Tree Roots Lifting Driveway: Keep or Remove?

Ash Tree vs. Driveway: Weighing the Trade-offs

Your 20-year-old ash is 6 feet from the house corner and 2 feet from the driveway, which its roots are heaving. Water pipes 2 feet away are deep (3+ feet) and safe—roots stay shallow. The real issues:

• Roots will keep lifting the driveway.
• Branches will eventually rub the house (prune to 8+ ft clearance).
• Space is tight for a large species.

Decision Factors

Keep it if: You value shade, fall color, and can replace/repair the driveway and prune lower limbs.
Remove it if: Driveway damage is unacceptable and space is too constrained.

For a free on-site assessment, contact your state forestry agency—they often send a forester at no cost.