We all love the look of a majestic tree while driving up to someone’s home. Large trees not only provide shade and beauty, but they also supply us with much-needed oxygen. But when they’re planted too close to a home’s foundation, or the roots start taking over, they can cause significant problems. Tree root damage can possibly mean thousands of dollars in repair costs to plumbing systems, pavements, driveways, foundations, and buildings.

An essential part of a tree is the roots. A healthy root system gives a tree survival and growth by feeding the tree its water, oxygen, and nutrients. The farther the roots can spread out, the more stable a tree can grow and get fed. Tree roots can create several problems for your property, home, etc.

Here is a list of what tree roots can damage at your home or on your property.

1. Building Foundation

Roots can cause significant damage to your home or business’ concrete foundations. Overgrown roots can enlarge existing cracks in foundations. Checking out your foundation and being proactive about maintaining your foundation will keep root problems under control.

2.  Lifted and Cracked Driveways, Sidewalks, and Patios

As a root system expands with tree growth, the roots can overturn pavers or flagstone surfaces, lift nearby concrete sidewalk slabs, and crack paved areas. Typically, a tree was planted too close to a driveway, sidewalk, or patio, and the roots take over.

3. Sewer Pipes or System

Water and sewer lines or any pipes can be easily damaged or penetrated by tree roots. The roots can spread out through the opening of a pipe or bust into a pipe. If you have a leak in a sewer pipe or system, roots can grow into this entrance. If roots have infiltrated a pipe or pipe system, it can be expensive and difficult to find a solution. You may have to remove the old pipe system and put in a new one.

4. Surface Roots

Surface roots are considered exposed roots, which can become a tripping hazard or cause difficulty with mowing a lawn or area.

Exposed roots usually happen from soil erosion or from frost heaving, where the soil repeatedly freezes and thaws, contracting and expanding with each freeze/thaw cycle and pushing roots toward the surface.

Prevention

Preventive landscaping with a quality tree service company can help you avoid tree root issues. Here are some prevention tips for tree root damage:

• Plant trees with non-invasive root systems.
• Trimming and cutting tree roots to prevent them from growing toward the foundation.
• Planting trees or shrubs far enough away from the foundation, sidewalks, etc.
• When planting a tree, avoid trees that require a large amount of water or those with roots that grow horizontally.
• Keep trees appropriately watered, especially the ones close to your property.
• Put in an irrigation drip line.
• Install root barriers.

Let us help you with your trees.  Contact Warner Tree Service to consult with Rick Warner, who is an ISA Certified Arborist since 2008.

Contact

Warner Tree Service is a family-owned and operated business in Palm Harbor, Florida since 2007 with an ISA Certified Arborist. We are fully licensed and insured. The services offered with a 100% satisfaction guarantee are tree trimming, pruning and shaping, hedge trimming and shaping, tree removal, crane service, stump grinding, canopy elevation, tree examination, and more. Call us at 727-946-7098 or email warnertreeservice@gmail.com to get a free written estimate in Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs, Safety Harbor, Clearwater, New Port Richey, Oldsmar, Belleair, and Largo.