Don’t Let Tree Roots Destroy Your Home

A tree is no doubt one of Mother Nature’s most impressive feats. They provide shade on hot days, act as a windbreak during storms, and help to improve air quality. In addition, trees can also increase the curb appeal of a property and add to its resale value.

However, tree roots can cause a lot of damage to your home, and it’s not always easy to tell when they’re becoming a problem.

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t know much about tree roots and the damage they can do. You may not even be aware of how to prevent them from damaging your home in the first place.

With proper care and attention, you can enjoy all the benefits that trees have to offer without risking any damage to your home.

Keep Your Foundation in Shape

Any homeowner knows that cracks in the foundation or walls are not only unsightly, but they can also lead to structural damage. One type of damage that can be caused by cracks is root-related damage.

As roots grow, they invade the cracks in concrete and expand, causing the cracks to widen. This can lead to serious problems, such as foundation failure or wall collapse.

To prevent root-related damage, it is important to keep your foundation and other structures in good repair. Regularly check for cracks and have them repaired promptly.

You should also consider having a professional inspect your foundation every few years to ensure that it is in good condition. This will help prevent several issues that can arise with a foundation problem. By taking these simple steps, you can help protect your home from the costly and destructive effects of root-related damage.

Plant the Right Trees in the Right Spots Around Your Home

When choosing trees to plant around your home, it is important to consider the size and type of tree.

Although large trees can provide many benefits, they also have a larger root system that can cause problems.

It’s also important to consider the location. Avoid planting trees too close to sewer lines, septic tanks, or other underground utilities.

You also need to make sure that trees are not planted too close to the house so that their roots have room to grow without causing any damage.

Use Preventative Landscaping

It’s no secret that tree roots can cause serious damage to homes and other structures. In order to prevent this damage, it’s important to engage in preventative landscaping.

One way to do this is by watering your trees deeply and regularly. This will encourage the roots to grow deeper into the soil, making them less likely to cause damage to nearby structures.

Even trees that normally have more shallow roots will start to grow deeper roots if they are watered regularly.

Another way to prevent damage is by using root control barrier products.

A root barrier is a wall placed underground that blocks plant roots. This is often used to protect structures or other plants, but can also be used to preserve soil moisture. Root barriers are made of various materials, including plastic, metal, and concrete. They are placed around the perimeter of an area to be protected, and the roots of plants are then diverted away from the barrier.

Root barriers can be an effective way to prevent damage from plant roots, but they must be carefully installed and monitored to ensure that they are functioning properly. Otherwise, they can actually cause more damage than they prevent.

Love Your Trees

Proper tree planting and maintenance can help you avoid costly foundation repairs down the road. By following the tips we’ve outlined in this post, you can keep your home’s foundation healthy and intact for years to come.