While strong, healthy trees add value and beauty to properties, below the surface, tree roots growing unchecked can wreak havoc on your home’s foundations. Tree root damage can cause significant problems, leading to costly repairs and potential safety hazards.

Understanding the risks tree roots pose and taking steps to mitigate damage will help protect you and your property and avoid having to unnecessarily remove your tree.

How Tree Roots Affect Foundations

Tree roots can impact foundations in a number of ways:

• Tree roots grow naturally towards nutrients and moisture in the soil. Roots can cause the ground to expand and contract as they extract water. This constant movement places stress on foundations, often leading to structural instability, cracks and uneven floors.
• Roots can be extremely strong and as a result, their growth can simply crack stone and cement foundations, weakening the stability of the home.

• Where tree roots and house foundations directly clash, roots can displace the soil around footings and block stormwater drains.
• As trees grow, their roots extend out and exert pressure on the foundation, causing shifts and cracks over time.

Signs Of Root Damage

Look for these early warning signs around your home that could indicate root damage:

• Small cracks in brickwork or internal walls
• Doors and windows sticking
• Uneven or sloping floors
• Gaps forming between walls and skirting boards
• Blocked drains

These issues might seem minor, but they often signal deeper problems caused by root intrusion that may only get worse over time.

The Costs Of Ignoring Tree Root Damage

By failing to address tree root damage you run the risk of:

• Having to pay extremely expensive repair costs which can be financially devastating if the damage isn’t covered by insurance.
• Having to undergo complex, often disruptive repairs such as slab jacking, underpinning and structural reinforcement.
• Decreasing the value of your property if there are visible signs of problems or structural issues.
• Potential neighbour disputes if your tree roots cause damage to a neighbour’s property and you are deemed liable. 
• Having a safety hazard on your property.

How To Help Avoid Tree Root Damage

1. Choose The Right Trees

If you’re in a position where you can select new trees to plant in your yard, try to avoid choosing trees that have aggressive root systems such as figs, camphor laurel, willows and poplars, near to your home. Select trees with less invasive roots and plant large trees as far from your home and other structures as possible.

Ask your trusted Arborist for advice about which tree would suit your space and the best spot to plant it if you’re unsure.

2. Regular Inspections

Have your local, trusted Arborist conduct regular inspections of your trees. They will carry out a visual inspection of the tree and its roots where visible and if further investigation is required, they may be able to assess risk using root mapping and possibly ground-penetrating radar, helping spot potential issues before they become a problem.

3. Install A Root Barrier

Your Arborist may advise you need to have a root barrier installed to try and redirect roots away from foundations, pipes and other structures. This is particularly useful if you have large trees with considerable root systems within close proximity to your house.

4. Monitor For Changes

Be sure to establish a schedule to check for changes. The sooner you spot an issue the sooner you can have it dealt with and avoid major damage. If you do notice signs of movement, consult an Arborist in the first instance for the professional advice on next steps.

5. Apply Mulch

Mulch is an incredibly helpful and cost-effective tool in preventing tree root damage. By creating a barrier between the tree’s roots and the surrounding soil, mulch helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature and suppress weeds, which reduces the risk of root damage and promotes healthy root growth.

6. Tree Removal

If you have exhausted all available options, your Arborist may advise you to have your tree removed to avoid further tree root damage.

Hire An Arborist

Regular inspections of your trees by a qualified Arborist is the best way to identify any issues before they become a problem. If you suspect you may have tree root damage, don’t delay, hire an Arborist to do a full inspection and advise if any preventative measures are required. It could save you thousands of dollars and a big nightmare down the track.

Suspect Tree Root Damage May Be Affecting Your Property?

Speak to the team at Aussie Tree Solutions for a free quote on our professional tree consulting and maintenance services. We offer a complete range of services, from tree pruning and tree removals to Consulting Arborist services – so whatever your tree issue, we’ve got the solution!