Dreaded tree roots

[avidgardener]

I am planning to lay a small paved area (approx 11 square metres) in my garden intended for occassional/ light use. I bought 32x slabs, 1 tonne of scalpings & 1/2 tonne of sharp sand for the base. Having dug out the area down about 150mm I have exposed many roots of a tree standing about 4 metres away. I need some advice on how best to prepare the sub-base. Is it OK to cut the roots? Can I leave the roots and still lay my slabs? Help!

[Tony McC]

Leave then roots alone. Cutting them will severely damage the tree, whereas it will be several years befire they have any effect on the paving.

Cover them with a membrane or with sand to protect them from puncture damage caused by direct contact with the sub-base material.

[avidgardener]

Thanks Tony I will will cover the roots with sand and membrane then lay scalpings over. How much then do I compact the material prior to laying the slabs? Also should I lay the slabs on a mortar bed and then point the slabs or is it better to do it another way to allow water & air to the roots?

[Tony McC]

Compact fully and lay on mortar with pointed joints. Don't worry about the tree roots.