Question: Our tree has large surface roots that are beginning to ruin our driveway and patio. Can they be removed without killing the tree?

Answer: Absolutely. You can take one or two roots off each year, preferably totaling not more than 20 percent of the trunk diameter at ground line. Do it in October, so the tree will have the maximum possible time to regrow roots before the following summer’s heat. You may also want to trench between the trunk and your concrete, so you can install some type of root barrier to stop further root growth there.