If you’ve been noticing tree roots growing under a house, you’re not alone. This is a common problem for homeowners, especially those who have older and very established trees planted close to the foundation of their homes. While tree roots rarely cause significant damage to concrete foundations, they can be a nuisance and a safety hazard. In this blog post, we’ll talk about what to do about tree roots growing under a house and how to prevent them from causing problems in the future.
Signs Tree Roots Are Growing Under a House and Damaging Your Home
There are a few main ways tree roots can damage your home:
- Foundation: Tree roots growing through cracks in the foundation or concrete slab, causing damage to your house’s or other structures’ foundation.
- Plumbing: Infiltration of water, sewer, and septic lines.
- Paved Surfaces: Tree roots growing under sidewalks, driveways, or patios and causing them to buckle or crack
The best way to deal with tree roots growing under your house is to prevent them from happening in the first place. You can do this by planting new trees at least 20 feet away from your home’s foundation and keeping them well-maintained. If you’re already in trouble with tree roots, though, here’s what you can do to mitigate the damage and keep your home safe.
If Tree Roots are Damaging the Foundation…
To a depth of 18 inches, excavate a trench along the foundation of your home. Cut all tree roots in this location and remove the ends. This can be achieved as long as the roots are more than 15 feet from the main trunk and only make up 25% of the tree’s overall root system.
If Tree Roots are Damaging your Plumbing…
If tree roots are infiltrating your plumbing, you have a few different options. You can cut the offending roots and re-route your lines, or use a root barrier to keep them out altogether. This is quite a complex task, so consult a professional before attempting to do anything yourself.
If Tree Roots are Damaging your Paved Surfaces…
The best way to deal with tree roots growing under paved surfaces is to cut them out and replace the pavement. This can be a costly and time-consuming project, but if done correctly, it will last for many years. Talk to a professional tree service or landscaping company to get an estimate for the work that needs to be done.
Prevention is Key – Use Root Barriers
The best way to deal with tree roots growing under paved surfaces is prevention. You can do this by installing a root barrier around the perimeter of the structure in question. A root barrier is a physical barrier that prevents tree roots from growing in a certain area. Root barriers are usually made of plastic or metal and can be installed by a professional tree service. This will keep tree roots from growing under your sidewalks, driveways, or patios and causing them to buckle or crack.
Tree roots can cause a lot of damage to your home if they’re not dealt with in a timely and effective manner. If you think tree roots may be causing problems, don’t wait to take action. The sooner you address the issue, the less damage tree roots will be able to do.
Contact Professional Tree Services Now
If you are looking for a Bay Area certified arborist team that performs excellent service, look no further than Sexy Trees. Our wide range of services and care will keep your trees healthy and beautiful for decades to come. We believe in supporting our communities of trees through evidence-based techniques that you can depend on. Give us a call at 925-233-6877 for an estimate, or email us at [email protected] anytime with questions!