DIY Network

I want to create a patio between the house and a very healthy oak tree. However, my options seem to be limited because the tree's thick roots are erupting over the area that I want the patio to go. I can't afford building an above-ground deck to avoid the roots. I've been told that cutting the roots might kill the tree. What are my options?

What type of patio surface where you hoping to install under the tree?
A raised deck surface is really one of the best options I can think of, assuming you can find places to sink postholes for the supports.

Without tree and root removal, concrete, brick or pavers would not work well. A heavy mulch surface could offer you some temporary space to place a couple of lawn chairs, but the roots will probably find their way to the surface, and if sloped at all, may wash downhill in the rain. Small stone and gravel surface is still costly, and there is not an easy way to go back, if you don't like it.

My idea is to have the patio next to the rear of the house. The house has no rear entrance; entries are at the front and side (driveway) of the house. So, entry to the patio area would have to be from the driveway. A raised patio (or deck) would certainly accommodate the roots, but it would be expensive. If the patio were simply on the ground, my concern would be what kind of material to use, and could that material (and design of the patio) incorporate the roots. Another option would be to abandon the plan to have the patio next to the house, moving it further away from the house and the roots.

Given time, the tree roots will win out against any patio material. No doubt, a raised deck is the best solution.

You may be able to get by with a paver type patio set is a deeper than usual sand base - the sand may buy you some more years of root growth without moving the pavers above.

Since there is no rear entrance to the home, a patio or deck near the back would not be any more handy than out into the yard a bit. For the root issue, I would sure consider placing it a few strides away from the house?

"If" you can find some locally used brick or landscaping stone free or cheap enough, that could be your least expensive material, over a sand/crushed rock base.