Getting to the “Root” of the Problem

Few things add beauty and that all-important curb appeal as much as an assortment of lush, vibrant trees surrounding a home. Unfortunately, big beautiful trees often come with big not-so-beautiful roots that can wreak havoc with underground plumbing, sidewalks, driveways and perhaps – worst of all – your home’s foundation. 

A somewhat uncommon issue that few people even think about is tree roots that have made their way into the crawl space, where they can cause serious problems. Even if a tree and trunk have been removed from the exterior, the roots can decay and, over time, leave voids in a crawl space. This can substantially compromise support piers and even cause them to settle and fall over. We have seen holes as deep as three feet or more left behind by decayed tree trunks and roots.

Tree Root Warning Signs

So, what are warning signs that tree roots are a potential problem for your crawl space or the foundation and structure of your home? The best way to assess the situation is to examine your crawl space. Can you actually see any roots that have made their way inside? If so, look for cracks in the foundation around the areas where the tree roots are located. Discovering tree roots in your crawl space, unfortunately, means there is more than a fair chance that those roots either have or will eventually compromise your foundation or footers. Immediate action is needed, and you should get the crawl space inspected by a qualified professional. 

Here are some solutions for repairing problematic tree roots:

• Stump grinding services and arborists are the best options for removing tree roots. 

• If roots have penetrated the foundation, qualified technicians will have to work hand in hand alongside the arborist to ensure the foundation is supported and/or structurally sound when removing the tree roots.

• Any damaged sections of the foundation will need to be removed and replaced.

• If there is no significant structural damage, a simple tuck point (mortar repair) in the areas of the foundation affected will most likely suffice.

Tree Root Damage Prevention

Of course, as with most things in life, the best defense is a good offense. To prevent tree root damage, make standard tree maintenance a priority with your landscaper or arborist. If you decide to build a new home, you can have root barriers installed around the foundation to help prevent roots from invading in the first place. These barriers can also be installed after-the-fact, as well. Be sure to avoid planting trees and bushes – especially those that will grow to a substantial size and produce formidable root systems – too close to your foundation.

Trees With Less Invasive Root Systems

When selecting trees to plant on your property, check with a qualified landscaper or arborist about what kind of root system you can expect and whether you are making an appropriate decision for the intended planting area. Some trees with less invasive root systems and a much lower potential for causing damage include:

• Japanese Maple

• Crape Myrtle

• Eastern Redbud

• Kousa Dogwood 

In the meantime, good luck with your trees, and remember the importance of regular maintenance to ensure you enjoy years of beauty and benefit without foundation damage and problems. As always, we are here if you ever need help.