Yes — tree roots are a common cause of cracked and heaved driveways and sidewalks in Frankfort, and the fix depends on how close the root is to the foundation versus the pavement.
Will removing the tree fix a cracked driveway?
Not by itself. The roots already under the slab stay put and keep drying and shrinking after the tree is gone, so a driveway or sidewalk lift usually needs its own repair.
Frankfort’s older neighborhoods near downtown and the riverfront often have large silver maples and willow oaks planted right at the curb decades ago, and those species are exactly the aggressive, shallow-rooted kind most likely to lift concrete. A root that has already cracked a slab will keep growing unless it is cut back or the tree comes down — but cutting a large structural root to save pavement can destabilize the tree itself, which is why this is a judgment call, not a DIY cut.
How much does root-related tree removal cost in Frankfort?
Removal for a tree causing this kind of damage typically runs the same as any comparable-size takedown — $400–$1,200 for a small-to-medium tree, or $1,000–$3,000+ for a large mature tree — plus stump grinding if you want the root system ground down near the surface. Root cutting alone, without full removal, is priced separately and depends on how much of the root system can safely be cut without risking the tree.
Frequently asked questions
Can a root be cut without killing the tree?
Sometimes. Cutting no more than a small share of the root system on one side generally leaves the tree stable; cutting large structural roots on multiple sides risks a lean or fall and is not recommended.
Does grinding the stump remove the roots too?
No. Stump grinding removes the visible stump and the top few inches of root flare, not the full root network, which decomposes gradually over several years.
Is root damage covered by homeowners insurance?
Typically no. Gradual root damage to a driveway or sidewalk is considered maintenance, not a sudden covered loss, so most policies exclude it.
The International Society of Arboriculture’s guide to avoiding tree and sidewalk conflicts covers root behavior near pavement in more depth.
Last updated: September 13, 2026
See our full tree removal service in Frankfort, or check stump grinding costs if the root problem is coming from a stump already on the ground.