Whether your landscaping surrounds your home or your business, most of us would agree that having a little bit of nature around us in the form of flowers, trees, shrubs and lawns creates a tranquil setting and brings joy to our everyday lives. Yet as important as our landscapes are, we need to practice some caution when it comes to caring for vegetation that is close to an asphalt surface. The truth is that landscaping and asphalt don’t always mix well. Fortunately, there are some ways that you can take care of your plants and your asphalt pavement at the same time. We’ve compiled these tips to help you do just that:
- Irrigation – All plants need water to survive. But unfortunately, water is one of the leading causes of asphalt damage. Every asphalt surface has tiny cracks that are barely visible to the human eye. When water seeps into these small crevices, it weakens the pavement. That’s why it’s so important to protect your asphalt from spillover irrigation. Make sure that sprinklers are positioned to point towards your plants and not your pavement. And be certain that the areas around your asphalt surface have adequate drainage – such as catch basins, gutters, drains, etc. – that direct water away from the pavement.
- Roots – Some plants have extensive root systems that can grow underneath your asphalt surface, causing it to gradually buckle and break. This is particularly true for trees, the roots of which are constantly spreading to seek out the maximum amount of water and nutrients available. For this reason, it’s a good idea to avoid planting trees close to asphalt pavement. If you already have established trees next to a paved surface, watch for any signs that the roots may be spreading under the pavement, such as roots that are visible and/or pavement that is cracking close to where the tree is located. If you do see evidence of tree roots impacting your pavement, call in a trained tree-trimming professional to remove a portion of the root system. This can often be done without harming the tree – or your asphalt pavement.
- Fertilizer – While there’s no doubt that plants benefit from a healthy regular dose of fertilizer, the same cannot be said of your asphalt pavement. In fact, some types of fertilizers (specifically, those that contain iron) can discolor asphalt and destroy protective seal coating, making the asphalt more susceptible to damage.
It is possible to enjoy beautiful landscaping and protect your asphalt pavement investment at the same time. For more information on how to protect your paved surfaces, contact a reputable local paving contractor.