Some homeowners believe that removing surrounding trees will fix the problem. But often, this preventive measure aggravates the problem. Root rot can accelerate destabilization and increase the likelihood of foundation failure. Tree roots can actively damage the foundation and lead to leaks in your home.
However, you can not always cope with these leaks by removing the offending tree. Some tree roots remain after their initial removal and may continue to damage the base. How do you know when these leaks are still caused by the remains of your tree and what can you do to fix them? The roots of trees can extend up to three times the crown of the tree. When roots grow, they dislodge soil and rocks, creating a void in the soil that fills with soil.
If this happens near the foundation, it can cause inclines, changes and cracks in the foundation. Roots rarely cause significant damage to concrete foundations. Occasionally, roots can make their way through existing cracks and enlarge them. But as long as you maintain your foundation, you are unlikely to have problems with tree roots.
To be fair, tree roots themselves are not the direct cause of foundation damage, although many homeowners believe that they are. Instead, changes in soil condition are what actually cause most of the damage to the foundations of houses. After you have taken all the above measures, you will have done everything you could at the site of the removal of the tree to protect your home. It is very easy to blame trees for causing damage to foundations because industrial societies consider them to be invasive in developed areas.
If you're determined to plant a new tree in your garden, another way to subvert the threat of root damage is to select a slow-growing tree species that has less aggressive rooting tendencies. If you hired a team of tree professionals to remove a tree from your property for you, you still want to go out to the removal site. It is a common belief that a tree will develop roots as wide as the tree is tall, but this is a misconception that underestimates the facts. The roots of the trees support the tree structurally to prevent it from falling, but they also extend to collect water and nutrients to keep it healthy.
Let's say you've noticed cracks or damage to your foundation or you're worried about the roots of the trees surrounding your home. If you had contractors leave your stump or leave it up yourself, you have effectively left your tree alive. It is very useful to know what kind of soil your house sits on because that should tell you the type of damage that tree roots may have in store for your residence. Another way to prevent tree roots from causing damage is to reconsider your plans to plant trees in the area around your home.
Fast-growing trees have fast-growing roots, so avoid trees such as weeping willows, silver maples, and poplars. Instead, call a tree pruning expert to remove the portion that grew in the pipe and call a plumber to replace the pipe. As such, you'll have a better idea of whether the tree you removed may still cause foundation leaks. Ensuring that your tree has both will help ensure the health of the tree and reduce the need for the root to grow close to the foundation.
These professionals will be able to identify any errors that have been made during the removal process.
