How Invasive Tree Roots Threaten Your Home’s Foundation
Tree roots can become invasive and significantly affect your home’s foundation health. As trees grow upwards, their roots grow downwards and can extend underneath the foundation of your home. Never underestimate the power of tree roots as they will extend far and long looking for water and nutrients. It’s essential to monitor the health and placement of trees near your home and take proactive measures, like installing root barriers or choosing less aggressive tree species, to protect your foundation from potential damage.
How the Wrong Tree Can Cost You
The power of these roots can affect your foundation in a handful of different ways:
1. Soil Desiccation and Foundation Settling
Tree roots naturally seek out moisture in the soil. When a tree is planted near your home, its roots can extend beneath the foundation and absorb moisture from the surrounding soil. This process, known as soil desiccation, causes the soil to shrink and lose volume. As the soil contracts, it creates gaps beneath the foundation, causing it to settle unevenly. This can lead to cracks in walls, floors, and the foundation itself, compromising the structural integrity of your home.
2. Hydrostatic Pressure from Expanding Roots
As tree roots grow thicker, they can exert pressure against your foundation walls. This is particularly a concern for homes with shallow or older foundations. As the roots expand, they push against the foundation, causing cracks or shifts in the structure. Over time, this constant pressure can lead to bowing basement walls, cracks in brickwork, or damage to slabs and concrete. Even if the roots do not directly penetrate the foundation, the lateral force they exert can cause significant structural damage.
3. Displacement Due to Root Uplift
In some cases, large roots growing near the surface can cause displacement or lifting of the soil around your foundation. This phenomenon, known as “root uplift,” occurs when roots grow beneath sidewalks, driveways, or foundation slabs, lifting them unevenly. The uplift can cause cracks and gaps in the foundation, allowing water to seep in and creating further damage through erosion or frost heave. This process can also affect drainage patterns around your home, leading to water pooling around the foundation, which can exacerbate issues like settling and cracking.
By understanding these three ways tree roots can harm your foundation, you can take preventative measures, like planting trees at a safe distance from your home, installing root barriers, or regularly inspecting the foundation for signs of damage.
Protecting Your Foundation with Smart Planting Choices
If a tree damages your foundation, you’re faced with the costly and complex task of not only repairing the foundation but also removing the tree and addressing any additional landscaping or structural issues it has caused. This dual expense can be a significant burden, both financially and in terms of time and effort. By being meticulous about the types of trees you plant and their proximity to your home, you can prevent these problems from occurring in the first place. Choosing the right tree species and ensuring proper placement can save you a considerable amount of money and stress in the future, protecting both your foundation and your peace of mind.
