Can Tree Roots Damage Your Home's Foundation?

Cracks and Crevices

Tree roots can find minor cracks in your home’s foundation, prying them wider, which speeds up the rate of deterioration. The type of trees on your premises determines if roots can grow underneath and through the foundations, rendering them unstable. If you detect signs of structural damage, it may be time to onboard a tree care company for maintenance.

Subsidence

Tree roots expand in dry seasons and shrink in the cold seasons, affecting the structural integrity of the surrounding soil. This makes the soil in your property shift, and your foundation can start sinking and become uneven. While not all trees damage the foundation of a building, we can help you determine which trees are more destructive. Let’s look at some species that are the most destructive.

Oak Tree

Oak trees are not common in residential areas and comprise less than 5% of the tree population. Despite the sparse population, they are responsible for 11% of the damage to house foundations in the United States. This tree species has a fast-growing root system that spreads quickly to enhance water and nutrient absorption. Since the roots are shallow, they seek any source of moisture, especially from leaky plumbing lines. If there’s an oak tree in your backyard, a professional tree service can help get rid of it before the damage becomes irreversible.

Poplar Trees

The most distinctive trait of poplar trees is shallow roots, which are aggressive and fast-growing. Poplars usually grow inside leaky sewer lines, choking the pipes until the problem becomes more pronounced. Homeowners need to schedule regular inspections with a trusted service provider to detect signs of root damage before the safety of your home is compromised.