Damage From Tree Roots

Getting To The Root Of The Problem

The taste of a fresh apple picked right off the branch in your back yard. The fragrance of cherry blossoms in full bloom. Relaxing with a loved one in the shade of your weeping willow.

Trees are a big part of our lives, especially here in the Pacific Northwest. We have a special place in our hearts for forests and the beauty that trees bring to our cityscapes.

But there can be a costly side to all of that greenery. If not planned and planted properly, tree roots can cause extensive damage to sewers, sidewalks, foundations, and landscapes in general.

Read this post to learn why trees cause so much damage to our homes and what you can do to prevent costly repairs and removals on your property.

Beneath the Surface

Roots are the foundation of a tree. Providing crucial support, water, and nutrients that a tree needs to survive. But because they are underground, many people don’t consider how widespread and deep roots travel when planting near their homes.

Picture the tallest tree in your yard.

Now imagine that the roots spreading from it are twice as long as the height of the tree.

Roots grow in search of water and nutrients and seek out the nearest source. Which can often be your drainage or septic system.

The effect roots have on your landscape and soil are great. Some tree roots can suck upwards of 200 gallons of water a day from the surrounding soil. Causing the soil to dry and contract if not properly watered.

But how can a plant affect something as strong as metal pipes or a concrete foundation?

Slow and Steady

Root growth can cause lots of damage to your home in many different ways. Here are some of the most common problems and what causes them.

Clogged Sewers and Drainage Pipes

Standard drainage pipes have holes in them to allow waste water from your home to seep into the ground. Roots in search for water can easily grow into these holes. Clogging and even completely blocking pipes.

Sidewalks and Cement Slabs

Roots can easily grow in the space under sidewalks and cement patio slabs. When the root matures and thickens, it lifts the cement causing it to strain and crack under the pressure.

Building Foundations

There’s common misconception that roots can penetrate poured concrete foundations and cause damage. In reality, it is the amount of water that roots suck from the soil around a foundation that will cause the soil to dry and contract. This movement of soil causes instability around the foundation and leads to possible damage.

Landscaping

Trees planted in landscape arrangements can quickly grow and force out other smaller bushes and plants. Ruining a carefully planned landscape arrangement and replacing ornamental plants with exposed and gnarled tree roots.

But if roots are so invasive and persistent, how can I ever stop them from damaging my property?

Dealing With The Damage

There are many different products and methods out there to help you unclog drains and destroy root systems.

Plumbers often recommend pouring toxic chemicals down your drain to kill tree roots. Or in some cases, use a long tool called an ‘auger’ that travels down your drain and actually saws away the roots in your sewage system.

These methods are generally only quick fixes and can lead to contaminated soil and sick trees.

Some landscapers will physically cut invasive tree roots and install a metal barrier. Stopping the roots from growing in that direction. This practice can severely damage or kill trees. Possibly causing the tree to be unstable and susceptible to blowing over in heavy winds.

But how can you avoid all of these expensive and time consuming procedures?

“An Ounce of Prevention Is Worth A Pound Of Cure”

The wisdom of Benjamin Franklin can be applied to many situations including this one. Preventing root damage before it begins is the best alternative to ever dealing with clogged drains and cracking concrete.

Taking the time to plan the location and type of tree you plant on your property can save you a lot of time, money, and heartache.

Avoiding species like willows, maples, and aspens can help limit invasive root growth. Also, planting trees at least 10 feet from your foundation, sidewalks, and concrete slabs will help prevent structural damage and concrete cracking in the future.

Hire A Professional

When you hire a skilled, Certified Arborist you will benefit from their training and wisdom.

The experts at Northwest Arbor Culture Inc. have over 30 years of landscaping and tree care experience. We will help you plan and plant your trees so that you get the most out of your landscape while keeping you and your home safe.

Give us a call today at (503) 538-8733 to learn how we can help you with all of your landscaping and tree care needs across the Pacific Northwest.

Are tree roots damaging your home or landscape? Tell us your tree root stories in the ‘comments section’ below.