How Tree Roots Can Damage Your Foundation (And What To Do About It)
Trees are a beautiful part of any yard—providing shade, value, and natural curb appeal. But what many East Texas homeowners don’t realize is that tree roots, while mostly underground, can cause serious foundation damage if they grow too close to your home.
In this post, we explore how tree roots cause foundation damage, the signs to watch for, and how to prevent and fix the problem before it becomes costly.
How Tree Roots Affect Your Foundation
Tree roots don’t break through concrete on their own. Instead, they exploit small cracks or gaps in your foundation, sidewalks, or plumbing lines. The real threat lies in their search for moisture.
In East Texas, where clay-rich soils are already prone to swelling and shrinking, tree roots:
- Draw moisture from the soil under and around your foundation, causing uneven settling.
- Widen pre-existing cracks as they grow and expand.
- Disturb the soil structure, leading to voids and shifts in pressure.
Roots as small as a pencil can cause major problems when they’re targeting the water-rich soil beneath your slab foundation.
Warning Signs of Root-Related Foundation Damage
- Cracks in foundation walls or floors near landscaping
- Uneven or sloping floors indoors
- Doors or windows that suddenly stick
- Uplifted sidewalks or driveways
- Tree roots visibly growing near the foundation perimeter
- Plumbing issues or shifting sewer lines
If you’re seeing one or more of these signs, it’s time to evaluate your landscape layout and root activity.
What You Can Do to Prevent Root Damage
1. Choose the Right Trees
Avoid planting water-hungry species like willows or silver maples near your foundation. Opt for smaller ornamental trees with non-invasive roots, and always consider mature root spread (which can extend up to 2-3 times the tree’s canopy width).
2. Install Root Barriers
Professional root barriers made of plastic or metal mesh can redirect root growth away from your foundation while allowing the tree to thrive.
3. Keep Trees a Safe Distance
As a rule of thumb, plant trees at least as far away from your house as their expected mature height. A 30-foot tall tree should be planted at least 30 feet away.
4. Maintain Soil Moisture
Consistent watering helps prevent roots from seeking moisture directly beneath your slab. Soaker hoses can be especially useful during dry spells.
5. Get a Foundation Inspection
A proactive inspection by a foundation expert can catch minor shifts before they become major repairs.
How Rite-Way Foundation Repair Can Help
At Rite-Way Foundation Repair, we assess landscape-related foundation issues and offer solutions that work with your existing trees, not against them. Whether you need root barriers installed or your foundation leveled and stabilized, we can help safeguard your home’s structural integrity.
Trees are vital to a healthy landscape, but their roots can silently compromise the safety of your home if not managed properly. By learning the early signs and taking preventive measures, you can enjoy both your shade and your structure for years to come.
For additional resources on tree species and root management, visit the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).