OT: Pavement Puzzlement

[kipjac]

I have a question I'd like to axe:

Why is it, at least here in Michigan, when you ride on a paved road where there is a large tree immediately off the side of the pavement, the asphalt in that area is almost always rough, potholed, and deteriorated? Huh? What's up with that?

[rwsaunders]

Roots, my friend. The scourge of sidewalks and roads alike.

[konstantkarma]

Another possibility is debris from the tree constantly falling on the road surface. Lots of acidic material/ tannins falling onto the asphalt. Ever notice how wet leaves stain the sidewalk or your car....particularly oak leaves?

[93legendti]

I wish in our area it was just where the trees/roots are. Last time they fixed the roads "properly" was before the last election for governor.

[konstantkarma]

Chip seal here. I hate the stuff. :crap: Every year they chip seal a bunch of my favorite roads and I have to avoid them for a month or so until the gravel gets driven off.