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There are various remedies to handle overgrowing and nuisance roots towards your foundation. Common ones include trimming the roots or removing the entire tree.
Trees give our backyard elegant looks and also provide us with shade and fruits. Besides that, trees also add value to your property by bringing the needed charm and a much-searched personality.
However, once the tree roots pose a risk to your home, you’re forced to take immediate action despite how much you’re attached to it.
Here is what you need to do in case tree roots are damaging the foundation of your house.
1. Get Advice From A Qualified Arborist
Typically, this is the first thing to do. Someone who has experience in tree handling will definitely advise you accordingly on the right thing to do.
If, after inspecting the tree and the foundation, he suggests that the best solution is to cut down the tree or trim the roots, which will be in the best interest.
Additionally, it’s essential to consider the local climate and soil conditions, as foundation cracking due to drought can exacerbate the problem with the tree’s roots.
Proper assessment and timely action can mitigate the risks associated with both tree damage and foundation issues caused by drought conditions.
2. Trim The Roots
This is the next remedy to consider once you notice signs of roots damaging to your foundation. Cut and eradicate these roots.
It is advisable to be cautious enough since if you excessively trim the roots, the tree may even die or become weak since it cannot anchor well in the soil.
It would be best to involve a tree specialist who has the skills and experience to complete the job without harming the tree or your foundation more.
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3. Remove The Tree
You might decide to trim the roots, but you never know more roots might grow in the future and head towards the foundation as well.
If the tree poses more danger to your foundation, it is advisable to remove the entire tree.
Cut it down and dig out as much root system as possible but first check if the tree is protected.
Suppose the tree is protected follow the regulations set aside by the council before removing a protected tree. Hire an arborist to report on the tree condition for the permit.
Removing a tree growing closer to your home is dangerous. In that case, hire a tree service company to do the job for you.
4. Build Root Barrier Where Possible
Suppose you find out early enough that the roots are growing towards your foundation and may damage it in the future; you might take precautions early enough.
You can build a root barrier that deflects these roots away from the foundation or deeper into the ground.
You’ll not only be protecting your foundation but also water and sewer pipes near your house.
5. Install A Drip Line Around the Tree
We often love the tree so much that we don’t want to remove it, but it is still a danger to your foundation.
Therefore, add water to areas around the tree trunk if the tree happens to suck the surrounding soil dry.
For this to be effective, the drip line has to be installed inches beneath the soil surface. You need professional personnel to help you with this.
What Are the Early Signs of Roots Damages on The Foundation?
Roots that grow underneath your property are not a problem at all. However, the issue arises when they infringe upon an existing property.
So, how do you know it is the right time to remove these roots?
You don’t need to wait until the roots have damaged your foundation to take action. Keep keen on the following early signs of damaging roots.
Cracked Foundation
This is the very first sign of damages caused by roots. If at any point you notice slight fissures or cracks forming either on the foundation or the floor, watch out for the nearest tree.
If you don’t assess the problem early enough, the more damage the roots will cause as they grow.
Uneven Windows and Door Frames
If you notice uneven window and door frames occurring without any trauma or identifiable cause, then that is an early sign that the roots are damaging your house foundation.
Buckling On the Surface Floor
Floor buckling occurs when the flooring surface pulls up from the subfloor, hence lifting in a single or more place.
In this case, intruding roots are exerting significant pressure on your under-slab foundations.
Roots can also leech sufficient moisture from the ground underneath your foundation, causing the soil to contract hence buckling the floor.
Shattered Or Cracked Windows
Sometimes you may find your windows shattered without identifying any disturbance evidence.
Note that not only trees roots cause these problems. In the case of other factors, like erosion disrupts the soil beneath your home, you might experience the same signs.
Therefore before you rush to make a decision dig around the tree growing closer to your foundation and check if the roots grow towards the house or not.
