Trees That Can Damage Your Foundation And How to Fix
The roots of trees are very powerful and can cause a lot of damage to your foundation. There are several things you can do to fix the problem, but it is important to act quickly. The first thing you need to do is identify the tree or trees that are causing the problem.
Once you have done that, you need to determine how far the roots have spread. If they have only spread a few feet, then you may be able to remove them without too much difficulty. However, if the roots havespread several yards, then you will need to call in a professional.
The roots of trees can cause serious damage to your foundation. If you have a tree that is close to your house, it’s important to be aware of the potential problems and know how to fix them.
One issue is that the roots can grow under the foundation and lift it up.
This can crack the foundation and cause major structural problems. Another problem is that the roots can clog sewer lines and drain pipes, causing sewage backups and flooding.
If you have a tree that is damaging your foundation, there are a few things you can do.
First, you can try trimming the roots. This may not always be effective, but it’s worth a try. If trimming doesn’t work, you may need to remove the tree entirely.
This is a big job, so it’s best to hire a professional.
Once the tree is gone, you’ll need to repair the damage to your foundation. This may involve leveling out the foundation or even rebuilding it entirely.
Again, this is a job for a professional. But once it’s done, your house will be safe from further damage from those pesky tree roots!
Credit: www.ramjackokc.com
What Do You Do If Tree Roots are Damaging Foundation?
If you notice that tree roots are damaging your foundation, there are a few things you can do to try to remedy the situation. First, you can try trimming the roots back with a saw or other cutting tool. This may not be enough to stop the damage, but it can help slow it down.
If the damage is already severe, you may need to have the tree removed entirely. This is a last resort solution, but sometimes it’s the only way to protect your foundation. You should also make sure to repair any cracks or holes in your foundation as soon as possible, as this will give roots an easy way into your home.
Can a Tree Cause Foundation Problems?
Yes, a tree can cause foundation problems. The roots of a tree can grow under and around the foundation of a house, causing cracking and upheaval. In some cases, the roots can even penetrate the foundation and enter the home, causing damage to the structure.
If you have a tree that is close to your home, it’s important to have it checked regularly by an arborist to ensure that its roots are not damaging your foundation.
Which Trees Cause Root Damage?
One of the most common questions we get asked here at Rooter-Man is which trees cause root damage? And while there are many factors that can contribute to root damage (including but not limited to poor drainage, compaction, and disease), the three most common offenders are maple, oak, and willow trees.
Maple Trees: Of all the tree species on this list, maples are by far the most likely to cause problems with their roots.
That’s because maple roots tend to be very aggressive, seeking out any cracks or openings in your sewer line in order to invade. And once they’re in, they’re almost impossible to remove without damaging the surrounding pipe.
Oak Trees: Oak trees are another major culprit when it comes to root damage.
Their roots can grow up to four feet long and are very strong and sturdy. As a result, they can easily penetrate even the thickest sewer lines. Additionally, oak tree roots are known for clogging drains and causing other plumbing problems.
Willow Trees: Willow tree roots are also notoriously problematic for sewer lines. They have a tendency to “wander,” meaning they’ll spread out in all directions in search of water sources. This often results in them growing into sewer lines and causing blockages and leaks.
Is Tree Root Damage to Foundation Covered by Insurance?
Most homeowners insurance policies will cover tree root damage to your foundation, as it is considered to be accidental damage. However, it is important to check with your insurer to be sure, as coverage may vary depending on your policy. If you have a separate deductible for foundation damage, you will likely have to pay that before your coverage kicks in.
Can Removing a Tree Cause Foundation Problems?
The short answer is: Yes, removing a tree can cause foundation problems. Here’s a look at how and why this happens:
When trees are removed, the roots that once anchored the tree in place are also removed.
This can cause the ground to settle unevenly, which can lead to cracks in your foundation or other damage. Additionally, when large trees are removed, there can be a significant amount of weight taken off of the ground. This too can lead to foundation problems because it changes the distribution of weight on your property.
Of course, not all tree removal will result in foundation problems. It depends on the size of the tree and how close it was to your home’s foundation. If you have any concerns about removing a tree on your property, it’s best to consult with a professional beforehand.
What Trees Can Be Planted Close to House?
The best trees to plant near your house are those that are low-maintenance and not too large. Some good options include:
1. Crabapple trees are a good choice for small yards because they only grow to be about 15-25 feet tall.
They produce pretty flowers in the spring and have fruit that can be used in pies or jams.
2. Dogwood trees are another option for smaller yards. They have beautiful flowers in the springtime and their leaves turn red, orange, or yellow in the fall.
3. Japanese maples are perfect if you’re looking for a tree with some color all year round. Their leaves can be red, purple, or green, and they also have pretty flowers in the springtime.
4. Magnolia trees have large, showy flowers that bloom in the springtime before their leaves come out.
They can grow to be quite large (up to 80 feet), so make sure you have enough space before planting one of these!
How Tree Roots Can Damage Your Foundation | Foundation Damage from Landscaping
Which Trees Damage Foundations
Most trees won’t damage your foundation, but there are a few exceptions. Some of the most common culprits are silver maples, willows, and poplars. All three of these trees have aggressive root systems that can seek out small cracks in your foundation and cause serious damage.
Silver maples are one of the most common offenders when it comes to damaging foundations. Their roots grow quickly and aggressively, seeking out any moisture they can find. If they find a crack in your foundation, they’ll happily invade and cause all sorts of problems.
Willows are another tree that you need to be careful of if you don’t want to damage your foundation. Like silver maples, their roots grow quickly and aggressively in search of moisture. They can also produce a lot of surface runoff, which can erode the soil around your foundation and lead to cracking or other damage.
Poplars are the third type of tree that you need to watch out for if you want to protect your foundation. Their roots are also aggressive and can easily find their way into cracks in your foundation. In addition, poplars tend to drop a lot of leaves, which can clog gutters and downspouts and lead to water buildup around your foundation.
Trees Safe for Foundations
When it comes to trees and shrubs near your home, the most important thing to consider is the safety of your foundation. Some tree species have aggressive root systems that can damage your foundation, while others are much more gentle. If you’re not sure which trees are safe for foundations, here’s a quick guide.
One of the best trees for foundations is the Japanese maple. These beautiful trees have a compact root system that stays close to the ground, so they won’t put any unnecessary pressure on your foundation. They also don’t grow too tall, so you won’t have to worry about them damaging your roofline.
Another great option is the dogwood tree. Dogwoods have shallow roots that spread out evenly, so they’re not likely to cause any damage to your foundation. Plus, their gorgeous flowers add a touch of beauty to any yard.
If you’re looking for a large tree that’s still safe for foundations, try the oak tree. Oaks have strong roots that go deep into the ground, but they’re also widely spaced so they won’t put too much pressure on your foundation. Plus, their massive size provides plenty of shade and privacy.
Finally, if you want a fast-growing tree that’s safe for foundations, try the tulip poplar. These tall trees grow quickly but their roots stay close to the surface, so they won’t damage your foundation.
Foundation Protection from Tree Roots
One of the most common problems homeowners face is tree roots damaging their foundation. Tree roots can grow through small cracks in your foundation and cause major damage. Not only can they crack and lift the concrete, but they can also block sewer lines and cause flooding.
There are a few things you can do to protect your foundation from tree roots. First, make sure that any trees on your property are planted at least 10 feet away from your foundation. You should also regularly check for any cracks or damage to your foundation, and repair them immediately.
Finally, consider installing a root barrier around your foundation to prevent tree roots from growing into it.
How Can Fungus on Trees Affect the Foundation of a House?
The presence of certain types of fungus on trees can weaken the roots and overall stability of the tree. This can lead to the tree being more susceptible to falling during strong winds or storms, potentially causing damage to the foundation of a nearby house. Regular tree maintenance and inspections can help prevent this issue.
Tree Roots Foundation Damage Insurance
There are many types of insurance that protect your home from foundation damage. Some policies will cover tree roots if they cause damage to your foundation, but this coverage is not always included in a standard policy. If you’re concerned about tree roots damaging your foundation, you should check with your insurance company to see if this type of coverage is available.
Conclusion
It’s no secret that trees can wreak havoc on your foundation. But what kind of damage can they really do, and how can you fix it? There are three main ways that trees can damage your foundation: by exerting lateral pressure, absorbing moisture, or growing roots under the foundation.
Lateral pressure is when the tree’s trunk and branches push against the sides of the foundation, causing cracks. Moisture absorption happens when the tree takes in water through its roots and then transfers that water to the soil around the foundation, which can cause expansion and cracking. And finally, roots growing under the foundation can undermine its stability and causesettling.
So how do you fix this damage? The first step is to identify which type of damage has been done. If it’s lateral pressure or moisture absorption, you’ll need to remove the tree entirely.
If it’s roots growing under the foundation, you’ll need to have them professionally removed. Once the damage has been fixed, you should take steps to prevent it from happening again in the future – for example, by planting trees further away from your house or installing a root barrier around your foundation.
Dr Ahsanur Rahman, PHD
