Most people know that tree roots can grow quite large and cause problems for sidewalks and streets, but many homeowners don’t realize that tree roots can damage a home’s foundation. While tree roots typically don’t cause problems for a home’s foundation, they can sometimes grow into cracks and joints in the foundation, which can lead to serious problems.
If you have trees on your property, it’s vital to have them inspected regularly to ensure that their roots aren’t causing any damage to your home’s foundation. Let us delve into the issue by looking at the following areas:
Can Tree Roots Damage Foundation?
Tree roots typically don’t cause damage to a home’s foundation, but they can sometimes grow into cracks and joints in the foundation, which can lead to severe problems. Studies have shown that tree roots typically only cause damage to foundations when they are growing into cracks or joints already present.
Also, while tree roots typically don’t damage foundations, they can sometimes grow into sewer lines and other underground utilities, which can cause serious problems. Whenever tree roots grow into sewer lines, it can cause blockages that can lead to sewage backups and flooding. It is thus essential to look at the signs that your foundation is at risk of tree roots damage.
How You Can Tell Foundation is at Risk
There are many ways you can tell if your foundation is at risk of tree roots damage. One way is to look for cracks in the foundation. If you see any cracks, it’s essential to have them repaired as soon as possible, as tree roots can grow into them and cause damage. This can be a serious problem, as tree roots can cause the foundation to shift and settle, leading to even more damage. Tree roots can sometimes grow into the joints between sections of the foundation, which can cause even more problems.
Another way to tell if your foundation is at risk of tree roots damage is to look for changes in the soil around your home. If you see any changes in the color or texture of the soil, it’s crucial to have an expert take a look, as this could be a sign that tree roots are growing into the foundation.
Additionally, if you see any changes in your doors or windows opening and closing, it’s vital to have an expert look, as this could also be a sign of tree roots damage. Also, when you see the countertops pulling away from the walls or the floors sinking, it indicates something wrong with the foundation. Do not hesitate to reach out for help as soon as you observe any of these signs.
Preventing Foundation Issues
If you are worried about tree roots damaging your foundation, you can do a few things to prevent it. One thing you can do is to have the trees on your property regularly inspected by an arborist. An arborist can tell if the roots of your trees are causing any damage to your foundation and can recommend the best course of action. These experts will also tell you which trees you can plant less likely to cause foundation damage.
Additionally, you can have a root barrier installed around your foundation. A root barrier is a physical barrier installed around the perimeter of your foundation that prevents tree roots from growing into it. Root barriers are typically made of concrete, metal, or plastic, and they can be very effective at preventing tree roots from damaging your foundation. Another thing you can do to prevent tree roots from damaging your foundation is to ensure proper drainage around your home. This will help to keep the roots of your trees from growing into the foundation.
Which Trees Roots Damage Foundation?
Certain tree roots are known to be particularly damaging to foundations. These roots typically come from trees that have shallow root systems. The common offenders are cottonwood, oaks, silver maples, Norway maples, walnut, ash, and willow trees.
These trees have one thing in common: they all have roots that spread out wide rather than growing deep into the ground. This shallow root system is what allows their roots to grow so close to the surface of the ground where they can easily come into contact with your foundation. These roots can cause cracks, leaks, and even complete collapses when they grow into your foundation. Hence, if you have any of these trees on your property, it’s vital to have them regularly inspected by an arborist, and you may also want to consider having a root barrier installed around your foundation.
Is Tree Removal Safe for Your Foundation?
One solution to the problem of tree roots damaging your foundation is to simply remove the offending tree. However, this isn’t always the best solution, as it can do more harm than good.
Other positives of tree removal include increasing the value of your home, as well as making your home more energy-efficient. Shading from trees can help keep your home cooler in the summer, leading to lower air conditioning bills.
Can Removing a Tree Damage Your Foundation?
Yes, removing a tree can damage your foundation. This is because the tree roots are often intertwined with the roots of other trees, shrubs, and plants in your yard.
When you remove a tree, you can unintentionally damage the root systems of these other plants, which can cause them to die. Also, when you remove a tree, you are removing a source of shade and shelter for your home. This can lead to your home being more exposed to the sun, which can cause it to heat up more in the summer and increase your air conditioning bills.
Tree removal is not always the best solution to the problem of tree roots damaging your foundation. In some cases, it can do more harm than good. If you are considering removing a tree on your property, call Estates Tree Service at 760-387-8050. We can help you determine whether tree removal is the best solution for your particular situation.