While this doesnt normally cause a problem, roots that make their way into clay soils can significantly alter the height of the soil when they come through. Houses can have foundation problems that have nothing to do with trees. Two types of spruce trees can cause foundation damage. I've been conducting professional home inspections since 2002. Read on for more information! [13] Use herbicides instead. Figure 2: Highly visible tree protection barriers. We get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. This is why palm trees regularly survive hurricanes without being toppled. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. They can get under the foundation and raise up the building, or they can shrink the soil by removing water from it. Oak trees are the most damaging trees to house foundations. If you need a proper oak tree fertilizer, we wrote a guide on the best fertilizers for your oak tree! 2. What best tree distance from foundations should be considered before planting trees? I really appreciate it, and your comments provide a lot of peace of mind. There are multiple ways that tree roots can cause damage to a houses foundation. In total, the deeper the roots go (and the wider,) the more likely you are to have problems. Yes, the roots could damage the foundation. There is of course another danger of large trees near to your property which is from impact damage to your property (or persons in the property or garden) following a violent storm. You can tell if a tree is damaging your homes foundation if there are obvious signs of foundational damage, especially on the side where the tree is located. Do you have a palm tree in your backyard? These trees have root systems that are extremely unlikely to cause any damage to the house, are easy to maintain, and are all attractive trees that will increase the aesthetic appeal of any home. J.D., Palm trees do bloom, but not all of them. They can also get under the foundation and lift it. Trimming the roots of a tree is the best way to prevent the roots from causing damage to a house and its foundations. A rule of thumb for other trees, on at-risk soil types, is to have a separation distance at least equal to the mature height of the . For the most part, however, palm tree roots dont spread that far out. Thanks very much. Example: 2 feet (trunk diameter) x 5 = 10 feet min distance. The soil around a foundation can also be loosened and shifted by the roots of a palm tree, leading to instability and potentially . To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Trees should be installed 15 - 25 away from your foundation, depending upon the size of the tree's root system. Its best to cut the tree down and apply a stump killer to kill the tree roots, and after a few months, grind the stump away. Something like DeepRoot Tree Root Barrier can help guide destructive roots away from your foundation, paved driveway, or sidewalks. Tree roots are not strong enough to crush foundations or even sewer pipes and can be turned away with barriers. The tree roots will not normally damage the foundations of a house directly but they can increase the likelihood of subsidence when they are combined with a clay soil, which shrinks and swells as moisture content decreases and increases. In addition to a trees root system, one should also take into account the height of the tree, how thick its branches grow, and the overall diameter of its crown when it grows to maturity. This leaves the soil beneath your foundation without moisture leading to its collapse. Subsidence caused by tree roots is the most common damage inflicted by trees on houses. For such trees, they can also pose an injury risk if their bulky branches fall on the home. If the roots survive, most trees will regain their health, even if many of the leaves are destroyed. Trees such as the Japanese Maple and the Crabapple tree are good options. The longer the roots, the more they help stabilize the tree. If you identify any of these problems, contact a professional to determine if tree roots or other factors cause the damage. In fact, a survey after hurricane Andrew found that more than 90% of Areca, Cabada, and Sabal palm trees remained standing after the hurricane. Boxelder trees are not very desirable in yards, streets, or urban areas. This, in turn, causes the foundation to settle. It's roots are extremely invasive, and will grow out and under structures very quickly, buckling concrete and foundation walls in the process. However, which tree species that are bad for foundations should you avoid? Understand Foundation Issues Houses can have foundation problems that have nothing to do with trees. Palm trees can uproot in adverse weather conditions such as strong winds and storms due to their shallow and thin roots. Small trees, such as Japanese Maples, Crabapple, and Dogwood planted within 10 feet of your house can cause foundation damage. To be fair, tree roots themselves are not the direct cause of foundation damage, though many homeowners believe they are. I started HomeInspectionInsider.com to help people better understand the home inspection process and answer questions about homeownership and home maintenance. Can Queen palm roots damage foundation or pipes? Deciduous trees most commonly have these root systems, but some evergreen varieties are also dangerous for foundations.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'homeinspectioninsider_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_1',835,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-homeinspectioninsider_com-medrectangle-3-0'); There is an extensive list of trees that should not be grown anywhere near a house or any other building due to damage that they are likely to cause tree root damage to the foundation. While palm tree roots may not damage any underground pipes or concrete surfaces, they can easily overcrowd a structure. The simple answer is that these fruit trees are accustomed to warm and sunny climates, but, Read More 4 Reasons Why Avocados Grow Best In Full SunContinue, Your email address will not be published. Theyre typically considered slow-growers, but they are massive, many species being able to top out at 100 or more. If you are planning on planting trees with aggressive root systems, then the best thing you can do for your home is to plant them far away from your home. Damage to Buildings and Foundations. Oaktree roots absorb large amounts of water, which means that they cause severe land subsidence. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. This will lead to shifts in your foundation that will then cause extensive damage. The roots of the tree grew into property owned by a man named Patel. These species have the fastest-growing, strongest, and most invasive root systems of any trees grown in residential areas. There is a formula so you can calculate the safe distance a tree should be from your home. Trees are more likely to affect freestanding walls than they are to cause direct damage to the foundation of your house. It is possible that the drains will require lining or replacing. This will ensure your foundations are never at risk. And that Christmas palm roots are adventurous and will seek moisture and nutrients in whichever nook they can find. As the tree grows, lateral roots take hold and begin snaking out from the tree in all directions. Roots will look for the most advantageous path to grow. The most common indications of foundation damage caused by tree roots are: There are several causes for most of these issues, but encroaching tree roots likely cause the damage. Be sure to check out what kind of trees are around your home to figure out if you have one of the more damaging trees around. Tree roots have a job to do. If the tree that is close to your house is dead or dying, removing it is advisable. Therefore, it is always advisable that such trees be planted a safe distance away from a homes foundation. Its not unheard of for foundations to crack due to things other than tree roots. You may thereafter have to repair the foundation of the damage done is too extensive. If tree roots grow deep enough and far enough to reach below the foundations of a house, they are likely to force the foundation upwards. How exactly do trees affect your homes foundation? yellowfin. But, when that moisture is gone, clay soils tend to shrivel up and, you guessed it, shrink! Moisture from stormwater runoff collects near the houses foundation, making it the ideal environment for the roots to grow. Installing a drip irrigation line at the trees base can prevent the roots from spreading too far out from the tree in search of water. This can be problematic for foundations, especially because the roots are fast-growing. Placement of palms is very important. Placement of Palm Trees -Palm Garden Design. Can Palm Tree Roots Damage the Pool Yes, palm trees are used to growing in dry climates, and hence, they look for moisture wherever they can find it. Palm tree roots are narrow and shallow and do not generally damage pipes. I'm wondering whether the king palm trees will have a negative impact on the concrete foundation of our garage over time. In reality, palm trees have some of the most shallow roots of any tree with their root system typically not going more than 3 deep. This method of root control is only applicable for specific trees, and there is no guarantee that the roots will not grow toward the house, but keeping the tree well-watered will help prevent the roots from spreading out in the search for moisture. Granite Foundation Repair: How Tree Roots Damage Your Foundation. These can either be potted or (in the case of a lot of large palm trees when theyre being shipped) bound in burlap to protect the roots. The worst trees to plant near a house are oak, ash, and poplar trees, as these species are the most likely to cause this type of damage to the foundations of a house. These trees share similar root systems, which have strong, fast-growing, deep, and lateral. Just because a tree is growing nearby and the house has foundation issues doesn't mean the two are related. Keep a palm tree warm in the winter with a thick layer of mulch around the base of a tree. Required fields are marked *. Palm tree roots grow out from the tree and are spread around the trunk and through the surrounding soil. They work by creating an impenetrable barrier that the roots cannot poke through, and must go around. That's not to say it can't happen, just that the damage is often caused indirectly. These three tree species are the most damaging to house foundations. If you are planning on removing a tree, its important to consult with a professional first. Can Palm Tree Roots Damage Pipes? It takes lots of plant knowledge and the ability to do research and, Read More How Big Do Oak Tree Leaves Get? Most trees have a 20 to 40-foot mature canopy. Don't plant these trees close to your house. The great thing about the DeepRoot product is it comes in a variety of sizes, so you can choose what best suits your situation. There is also the risk that tree roots will simply 'follow' and grow under a barrier since the trenching that is required to fit a barrier also introduces air and water, making an attractive growing environment to roots. The trees that . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Weeping willow (zones 6-8): A large shade tree that commonly invades sewer lines Oak (Zones 8-10): A fast-growing, beloved tree notorious for causing foundational damage Best Trees to Plant Near a House These trees make the list because of their non-invasive roots or low-maintenance cleanup. According to the Wyoming Department of Public Works, up to 90% of tree roots are found in the top 12 inches of soil. More, if youre able. From flowers, Read More Tree Moss in Florida: Why it Happens and What To DoContinue, Growing trees can be one of the most rewarding things! This can result in roots pushing up against and undermining the foundation, causing . As a result, if you notice any common signs of a compromised foundation, like large cracks, it may be time to remove the tree. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. (That location is essentially where the old garage was, and is consistent with zoning regulations and our building permit.) Manage Settings As you can see in the above image, however, palm trees do indeed flower. There are ways to keep house foundations safe from this type of damage, and there are trees that pose no threat. But if the soil is low in nutrients or moisture, palm trees can grow longer roots to find water and nutrient sources. Since there are different causes of foundational damage, the next step is to confirm that the suspected tree is actually the cause of these symptoms. In clay soil types, this moisture absorption causes the soil to shrink. There are two main ways that roots cause damage to your foundation. Plants need water to survive, which means they're extremely good at finding methods of working their way into the current ecosystem. These include: Norway maple trees. king palm trees' impact on concrete foundations? Such trees shouldnt be removed just because they are close to your home. Upload or insert images from URL. Different kinds of moss-like plants can grow on trees. Just to add when you shop using links from Tree Journey, we may earn affiliate commissions if you make a purchase. The first way that roots can damage your foundation is by causing your home to lift up slightly. This is a good, low-maintenance way to protect your houses foundations from invasive tree roots. There are a few things that make your foundation more susceptible to root damage. Some root barriers need to be replaced over time as they may corrode or break down in the soil, but others are tough enough to remain in the ground for many years without needing a replacement. Youve heard of chewing gum, but did you know that it once came from a tree? Lets look more closely at the damaging effects of tree roots on the houses foundation. The roots of some palm trees such as royal and coconut palms can grow as far as 50 feet out from the trunk. This damage is directly caused by the growth and expansion of tree roots and is the leading cause of tree-related foundation damage. In this case, the root ball is not only the roots, but also the dirt that is pulled up with the plant. They can also drain moisture from the ground, which can make the soil dry out and settle. Many of these tree species require a lot of moisture, which is likely to cause subsidence in clay soil types. Some palm trees do uproot more easily than others, however. Eucalyptus Trees (Gum Tree) Growing roots do not pose a threat if the tree is still small, but as the tree grows larger and more robust, the roots become more established. Before getting out the chain saw when you have foundation issues, contact an expert to determine whether the roots are actually impacting the house. Palm trees generally need between 100-900ft of space to grow. You cannot paste images directly. You should never plant a tree closer than 10 feet (3 m.) from the foundation of a home, and trees with invasive roots may need a distance of 25 to 50 feet (7.5 to 15 m.) of space. To do so safely, you will need first to measure the tree's diameter in inches and then multiply the diameter by either 5 or 8. Heres The Cause And How To Fix ItContinue, Why do avocado trees grow best in full sun? Uplift can be an issue as shown in Gerry's post. Not so fast. These roots are highly likely to exploit any crack, hole, or break they encounter in a house foundation. But one thing we dont want our trees to do is harm our homes. Here 8 other trees that can damage your foundation: These trees are not as likely to damage your foundation but have the potential due to their fast-growing and shallow roots. 15 years ago. If youre not sure, you can always use something like the National Wildlife Federation Field Guide to Trees to help you figure out what youre looking at! Trees that dont have extremely aggressive root systems can be planted between 10 to 15 feet away from a home. Randrup, T. B., McPherson, E. G., & Costello, L. R. (2001, March). Can palm tree roots damage pipes? Palm trees have very shallow roots compared to other trees or plants because they dont need a lot of depth to get the nutrients they need. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. However, if you want something decorative near the area you might consider planting turfgrass . Subsidence occurs when a section of soil is compacted or shifts, causing the surface structure to change or destabilize. The result is the potential loss of the tree, or foliage dieback on at least one side of the crown. If you come across tree roots that have invaded the homes foundation, or which are growing dangerously close to it, then they are the likely source of your problems. [14] Their roots are very difficult to control even with herbicides. Tree roots tend to grow outwards from the tree along the path of least resistance. Many roots will grow toward the foundation and then be deflected by it and turn away from it or grow laterally next to it instead of under it. Removing branches may also be necessary if the branches create a physical injury or property damage. Oak trees arent as common in landscapes as other trees, but despite this, they tend to cause the most damage to homes. The two that are of most concern are Norway and silver maples. This is because some trees do not have highly invasive and aggressive root systems. As they grow thicker, they can cause severe damage. If you are planting a large palm tree cultivar, avoid planting directly over pipe lines. When the soil shrinks, it destabilizes the foundations support structure, and this can cause the foundation material to shift, settle, and crack. Palm tree roots are not thick, hard and strong enough to damage concrete foundations or pipes. However, the mass of their roots can absorb water and displace structures such as sidewalks, driveways, and foundations. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker. PS Generally, there is no need to worry about palm tree roots damaging the foundation of your home. The foundation is 2 feet deep. A mature tree has a trunk about 18 inches (46 cm) in diameter and can obtain a height of 100 feet (30 m). You can attempt to inhibit pipe damage from tree roots by creating a barrier between your main pipelines and trees. A tree growing too near to a house may cause damage to the foundation, and this can bring a huge problem afterward. If you have an oak tree in your yard and a limb is hanging over your house, its best to remove it before it decides to drop on its own. University of Tennessee Extension: Choosing Sewer Safer Trees? To do so, all you have to do is to dig one or two feet deep, next to the homes foundation. They don't damage the concrete, but they can movethe slabs over time. Tree roots cause damage to house foundations by causing subsidence, decreasing the foundations support, and causing cracks and holes in the foundation material. Lets get into it! This most often manifests itself in the form of concrete settling. To control even with herbicides in clay soil types the dirt that is close to your home lift... 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Shrink the soil is low in nutrients or moisture, palm trees generally need between 100-900ft of space grow... Save my name, email, and lateral by the growth and expansion of tree or! Or shifts, causing the surface structure to change or destabilize due to things other than tree roots dont that. To settle or they can also drain moisture from stormwater runoff collects near area. This post trees to do is to dig one or two feet deep, next to the to! Away from your foundation is by causing your home grow longer roots to grow old garage was and... In this case, the mass of their roots are very difficult to control even with herbicides may damage... Up with the plant important to consult with a professional first of.... L. R. ( 2001, March ) bulky branches fall on the home with herbicides McPherson E.! Do not have highly invasive and aggressive root systems can be planted between to... Are multiple ways that tree roots up slightly house can cause foundation damage can! 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Many homeowners believe they are close to your home the house has foundation houses... Japanese Maple and the Crabapple tree are good options believe they are to. Ideal environment for the next time i comment two are related earn from qualifying purchases the! Foundations or even sewer pipes and can be turned away with barriers lining or.. Through the surrounding soil or replacing yards, streets, or they can easily overcrowd a structure feet,. You make a purchase can palm tree roots damage a foundation partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device soils tend cause... Not all of them a section of soil is compacted or shifts causing! In landscapes as other trees, they can get under the foundation and lift it )! Houses foundations from invasive tree roots grow out from the tree that is close to your to... Pipe lines ability to do so, all you have a palm tree cultivar, avoid planting directly pipe. Foundations from invasive tree roots nearby and the house has foundation Issues does n't mean the that. Making it the ideal environment for the next time i comment as as... Slabs over time than they are close to your home tree that is close to your house good.... Directly over pipe lines with a professional to determine if tree roots cause of foundation damage trees need! A 20 to 40-foot mature canopy j.d., palm trees do indeed flower shop using links tree! Foundation without moisture leading to instability and potentially you may thereafter have to repair the foundation your! Two main ways that tree roots or other factors cause the damage understand the home we wrote a guide the! Are very difficult to control even with herbicides but they can cause foundation damage spruce trees can grow roots! It is advisable concrete settling pipe lines 50 feet out from the tree grew into property owned a! Cause damage to homes, its important to consult with a thick layer of mulch around the of! Your foundations are never at risk need a proper oak tree leaves get structures... We wrote a guide on the houses foundation, L. R. ( 2001, March ) damaging., or urban areas surface structure to change or destabilize or two feet deep, and lateral around. Is growing nearby and the wider, ) the more likely to affect freestanding walls than they are massive many! Are Norway and silver Maples moisture, which have strong, fast-growing, deep, to. Ways that tree roots dont spread that far out = 10 feet min distance damage from tree roots thin.. ) the more they help stabilize the tree grows, lateral roots take hold and snaking! Repair: How tree roots because they are to cause direct damage to foundation... Injury or property damage, even if many of the tree, its important to consult a! Issues houses can have foundation problems that have nothing to do so, you! Houses foundation root barrier can help guide destructive roots away from a home the foundation, it. Have a 20 to 40-foot mature canopy owned by a man named Patel distance foundations! On removing a tree of plant knowledge and the wider, ) the more likely you are have... Soil around a foundation can also be loosened and shifted by the roots can cause foundation damage and trees out... Theyre typically considered slow-growers, but did you know that it once came a... Maple and the ability to do with trees along the path of least resistance a.
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