I would look at foam jacking and have it put back where it was.

 

Hello everyone. I need some quick help. I had 2 very large trees removed from my property last fall. After the trees were removed I noticed water ponding on the slabs next to where the trees used to be when it rained. Prior to the removal of the trees water was not an issue. Im guessing that the slabs were further lifted in the removal process.

The area in front of where the trees used to be collect a lot of water. Once the winter temps kicked in the water froze and created a huge safety problem on the side walk. I had to chip away at the ice every time that the snow melted and refroze.

I am trying to avoid this from happening again. Does it make any sense to dig out the grass/soil that meets the curb where the water collects and lay down gravel so that the water drains through? It is the only idea I can think of that would allow the water to drain out instead of pool. Any feedback is greatly appreciated. I am working against time because soon enough the ground will start to freeze.

Thanks

If water is ponding then it sounds like the slabs have sunk rather than lifted. I think the grout jacking mentioned by Neal can be an expensive option and I don't know how well it works in a non-contained area (ie, if the slabs are just up against soil, will it just squirt out). If the poured slabs (or manufactured paving stones) are a manageable size you might be able to lift them with a pry bar and get some limestone screenings under them to raise them. It might be better to wait until Spring when the frost is out of the ground.
If you didn't have the stumps removed, the rotting wood is probably going to create problems for the next few years.


Also, I assume you are talking about a walkway on your property and not a municipal sidewalk.

 

I had a sidewalk lifted after the ants had allowed out all the sand beneath it. they lifted it about 3 inches with nun squirting out the side a few weeks later I guess the rest of the ant hill collapsed and it was down 1 1/2", they came back the second time for free. It has been stable for 10 years. It was a little over $300C back then. But we are an hour out of the city and they are driving a fair sized truck full of equipment I did not think it unreasonable to fix a tripping hazard. :vs_cool:

 

I am trying to avoid this from happening again. Does it make any sense to dig out the grass/soil that meets the curb where the water collects and lay down gravel so that the water drains through? It is the only idea I can think of that would allow the water to drain out instead of pool.

Ayuh,..... Water flows, Downhill,......

Ya gotta either raise the slab, or lower the dirt dam,.......

If ya lower the dirt dam, there still has to be a Downhill path, for the water to flow away,.....

No gravel necessary,..... just carve out a swale, 'n reseed the grass,.....