Discussion
Hi,
I'm looking to install a porcelain patio (circa 30-35sqm) at the bottom of our garden, replacing current gravel / turf area.
Why porcelian? Mainly for it's low maintenance quality, as it will be underneath a tree and should stop it needing cleaning / sealing often. Or at least easy cleaning.
And it's that point I'm here asking a question. It's only something that has been mentioned now that has got me thinking. It will be next to a beech tree, approx 40ft tall, covering approx a quarter of the canopy area.
Should I be worried about the roots? It's clearly a mature tree, but am I either risking damaging the tree or patio sinking with rotting roots or lifting with strengthening roots?
Conscious procelain is non permeable so water getting into soil will be at the edges.
The dig down is fairly minimal (type 1 base) but understand beech trees can have shallow roots.
Will be approx 1 metre away from the trunk where the patio starts and approx 10 metres away where it ends but trying to work out if this is likely to cause a problem or if I'm overthinking it?
Have seen the cellular confinement system (geocell) that aims to reduce any problems (although seems more set up for substantial developments near trees such as car parking, driveways etc). Any used them or think this is needed here? Are most landscapers familiar with this / able to handle?
Want to make sure I get this right as naturally a hefty investment!
Thanks in advance for opinions / advice.
I'm looking to install a porcelain patio (circa 30-35sqm) at the bottom of our garden, replacing current gravel / turf area.
Why porcelian? Mainly for it's low maintenance quality, as it will be underneath a tree and should stop it needing cleaning / sealing often. Or at least easy cleaning.
And it's that point I'm here asking a question. It's only something that has been mentioned now that has got me thinking. It will be next to a beech tree, approx 40ft tall, covering approx a quarter of the canopy area.
Should I be worried about the roots? It's clearly a mature tree, but am I either risking damaging the tree or patio sinking with rotting roots or lifting with strengthening roots?
Conscious procelain is non permeable so water getting into soil will be at the edges.
The dig down is fairly minimal (type 1 base) but understand beech trees can have shallow roots.
Will be approx 1 metre away from the trunk where the patio starts and approx 10 metres away where it ends but trying to work out if this is likely to cause a problem or if I'm overthinking it?
Have seen the cellular confinement system (geocell) that aims to reduce any problems (although seems more set up for substantial developments near trees such as car parking, driveways etc). Any used them or think this is needed here? Are most landscapers familiar with this / able to handle?
Want to make sure I get this right as naturally a hefty investment!
Thanks in advance for opinions / advice.
I think you'll do the tree a lot of harm, if not actually kill it.
It would be best to find and ask someone who sells/plants relatively mature trees, or a suitable tree surgeon (some specialise in actually planting trees).
These folks would be able to give you good guidance, but I suspect a porcelain patio would be a no-no, along with the digging down.
It would be best to find and ask someone who sells/plants relatively mature trees, or a suitable tree surgeon (some specialise in actually planting trees).
These folks would be able to give you good guidance, but I suspect a porcelain patio would be a no-no, along with the digging down.
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