Stopping Tree Roots From Ruining Your Foundation

Tree roots may seem harmless from the surface, but under the soil, those wandering roots could be wreaking havoc on your home’s foundation. If left unchecked, they may end up compromising the basic structure of the house. You can protect your foundation and keep your yard’s natural features intact by using a bit of strategy and care.

The Problem With Tree Roots

Over time tree roots will expand in search of water and nutrients to store energy for their growth. As your tree’s roots seek out moisture near your home’s base, they can shift the soil and wedge themselves into cracks. This can cause your home to settle unevenly in the soil and increase any existing cracks in the walls.

The first step to stopping tree roots from ruining your foundation is understanding why they ventured that close to your home to begin with. Tree roots will naturally gravitate towards water sources, so check to see if there is a drainage issue near your home.

Use Strategic Landscaping

Planting trees away from your home is the first preventative measure you can take to protect your home’s foundation. When choosing where to plant new trees, you should also know the mature root spread area of each species, as this helps you know how far away to plant them from your home and each other.

If your yard already has trees dangerously close to your structure, consider adding root barriers. These physical barriers will help redirect the roots downwards and away from your foundation. Once installed correctly, they can be one of the best investments for keeping your foundation intact.

However, if you are already noticing issues with the concrete under or around your home, then read up on the most common causes of concrete damage. These insights can help you determine why your driveway or sidewalks may be cracking.

Avoid Overzealous Root Cutting

Cutting the tree roots might seem like the obvious solution when their spread gets out of control, but doing so can lead to more harm than good. Before grabbing a saw, you should know the dangers of cutting tree roots, since severing a root too close to the trunk can destabilize the tree, making it a hazard. Injured roots may also trigger new growth in other directions, which could create even more stress for your foundation.

Love Your Trees, Save Your Foundation

Stopping tree roots from ruining your foundation is all about strategic planting, adding root barriers, and monitoring your yard’s moisture. With these steps, homeowners can preserve both their trees and the integrity of their homes.

For those facing a root-related disaster, it’s always better to act sooner rather than later. Your foundation—and your wallet—will thank you.