The right tree in the right location can provide a home with many decades of benefits, like shade and rain protection for gardens. But some tree species can do more harm than good. The root systems of some mature trees, for instance, can cause various types of damage to property. If you have noticed that your tree's roots have become invasive, you could have a costly problem.
Some tree species have naturally invasive roots, like the silver maple, weeping willow, and American elm. And trees tend to have root systems that spread up to
two to three times
the radius of their canopy. These two facts combined mean that some mature trees can do a lot of damage to a property over time.
If your tree's roots are beginning to make their presence known, swift removal may be necessary. Otherwise, you could face some or a l of the following problems.
⦁ Buckled sidewalks and paths
Tree roots naturally seek out water in their environment. For trees with invasive roots, this can become a problem for nearby sidewalks or pathways. When rainwater seeps underneath concrete or stone pavers, it is unable to evaporate. This attracts the attention of nearby tree roots.
When tree roots invade the area under sidewalks and paths, they cause those areas to buckle or crack. Anyone walking on a buckled path could trip and suffer an injury. Buckled paths are also unsightly.
⦁ Cracked foundation
Tree roots can find the tiniest crack in a foundation and work their way into that crack if they sense water nearby. This can crack your home's foundation, floors, wa ls, and windows over time. If you have noticed cracks in your home, tree roots could be to blame.
⦁ Damaged and blocked plumbing
Some of the plumbing pipes in America are very old and worn. These pipes are susceptible to tree root invasion. When nearby tree roots sense the presence of water in a pipe, they seek an entry point. A tiny crack is a l a tree root needs to invade a sewer line and cause a costly blockage.
⦁ Damaged patios and driveways
Invasive tree roots will spread far and wide in their search for water. Unfortunately, this means that nearby driveways and patios can suffer damage as a result. If you have noticed that tree roots are closing in on your patio or driveway, consider removing the of ending tree before the damage worsens.
⦁ Invasive roots in a neighbor's property
If your tree is of a species that needs a lot of water to survive, such as a silver maple, Norway maple, or tree of heaven, its roots could invade your neighbors' properties in search of water. This is especially true if you have a small yard or if conditions are dry in your area. Invasive trees often send roots out much further than other trees in search of water.
⦁ Surface roots
Water-loving trees are notorious for surface roots. When these trees can't get the moisture they need from deep within the soil, they come to the surface. But because these roots grow larger and thicker over time, they can prevent you from carrying out lawn maintenance like mowing or trimming your lawn. Surface roots are also a tripping hazard.
If your tree's roots are beginning to cause minor issues, those issues could become much worse in the future. The sooner you remove your tree, the better. You can replace your tree with a more property-friendly tree, such as a flowering dogwood or a Japanese maple.
The best option for a tree with invasive roots in an urban environment is often
removal. If your tree is causing problems, ca l Baumann Tree today. We' l remove your tree and the stump so that you can avoid potentially expensive damages.