Invasive tree roots are a common problem for homeowners and in commercial settings. They sneak into septic lines, under sidewalks, and can ruin asphalt courts (i.e. Tennis and Basketball Courts) by causing trip hazards. Tree roots can reach up to 20 feet from the center of the truck seeking moisture from under the asphalt. The type of tree or shrub planted near or around the court is of great importance due to the differences in their roots.
Some will produce surface roots and others will grow straight down. Many homeowners have no choice but to fit courts into their backyards with mature trees already existing. The answer when building a court is a root barrier around the trees or the court.
Root Barriers were developed and have progressed since 1992. From concrete in the beginning which would crack and fail to specific types of plastics. Remember, cutting down a tree may not kill the root system, the stump and roots may continue to grow. You must grind the stump and cover it with soil.
Does your asphalt look like this?
The roots underground look like this
Asphalt barriers like these below, may help your asphalt
Why is this guy in my way? Road shoulders are useful to bicyclists traveling on roads that do not have dedicated bike lanes. However, cyclists are NOT required to ride in a shoulder. Debris often collects in a road’s shoulder, and a cyclist will avoid these hazards by riding in the lane of vehicular traffic.
Normally, slower traffic keeps to the right, and faster traffic passes on the left. Since cyclists are usually slower than other traffic, they ride near the edge of the road. Generally, the usable width of the road begins where one can ride without increased danger of falls, jolts or blowouts. A road may have a gravel shoulder; it’s edge may be covered with sand or trash or the pavement may be broken. Would you drive your car in this mess? Most vehicle owners would not, they would swerve around it if needed. Keep in mind shoulders are optional use for cyclists and should never be considered safe.
Some shoulders are too narrow to safely ride in and invite dangerously close passing at high rates of speed from motorists. Shoulders are not intended to be driven on and are made of a lower quality paving material than the travel lane. This material quickly erodes and creates unsafe surfaces to cycle on. Think of shoulders as sidewalks; they are optional and if you feel safer there, then you are allowed to be there. If you do not feel safe there, you are NOT required to ride there. The travel lane belongs to all vehicles, including bicyclists. Remember, the bicyclist usually cannot hear you coming due to the wind rushing through their helmet. A friendly toot of the horn will alert the bicyclist and allow him or her to move over into the shoulder safely to allow the motorist to pass.
What it really comes down to, is safety first and share the road as safely as possible for everyone traveling.
You have decided to build a tennis court, you just have yet to decide what kind. Here are some tips that may help you decide which is best for you. The question is asphalt court or Har-Tru clay tennis court. Well let’s look at the maintenance of both courts.
On your new asphalt court there is no daily maintenance. You need to sweep it to remove leaves and debris as needed. You should power wash every 2-3 years. Long term, you should recoat the court once every 5-7 years. The cost of an asphalt court can be more than a Har-Tru Clay court, but you are able to spend more time playing on it and a lot less time maintaining it.
The hard-try clay is actually a naturally green stone found in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Every time you play on it you need to brush the court right to the edges. Even if you don’t play on it you should brush it once a week. You will also have to brush the clay off the lines. You must also water the court to keep the surface stable. Remember to take your shoes off before you go indoors so you don’t track the clay all over your house.
To take a look what you are going to need on a weekly basis to keep up the clay court. To get started you will need: clay court roller, water removers, court rakes, drag brooms, drag mats, growth control products for weeds, leaf removers, line brushes, line tape and nails, scarifiers, shovels, extra clay court material, and don’t forget the sprinkler and hose to water the clay. Clay courts are a lot of work and the initial install cost less than an asphalt court. But in the long run you may not want something you have to maintain weekly. Also, every spring in New England the court needs to be redone. New Har-Tru installed and the lines put back down.
It can be a hard decision to make. If you want to make that leap and pay for your court initially or long term is the real question you should ask yourself. If you are an avid player and really enjoy the game and use it a lot and work a full time job, maybe a Har-Tru Clay Court is more than you can handle to maintain weekly. Just make sure whatever your decision, you get your use out of the court.
Some equipment for Har Tru Clay Courts
Asphalt court maintenance- pressure
washing and colorcoating
Har-Tru Clay Court Diagram
Asphalt Court Diagram
New England Sealcoating Specializes in asphalt tennis courts only, if you would like more information about asphalt courts please feel free to contact us or visit our website page for Tennis Courts today!
