The number one tip on any foundation problems prevention guide is to keep your landscaping at bay from your foundation. Tress, in particular, has been known to be the main reason why many homes suffer from cracked or broken foundations. The roots of these trees can grow and expand, putting pressure on your foundation and causing cracks. But does that mean you have to cut a tree that’s like in the corner of your garden? Well, not necessarily.
When does a tree cause foundation problems?
Research shows that the roots of a tree grow by approximately 2.5 times the diameter of the tree’s trunk. So, a 30 cm wide tree trunk can have roots that are up to 75 cm wide! That’s a lot of roots, and if it’s close enough to your foundation, it can cause problems. The type of soil also plays a role in how much damage roots can do. For example, clay soils hold moisture better than sandy soils. This means the roots can absorb more water and expand, putting pressure on your foundation.
One of the warning signs that your tree has started to trouble your foundation is when you see cracks on your walls or floors. These cracks are usually small but can grow and worsen over time. If left unchecked, the damage caused by tree roots can be extensive and expensive to repair. Another sign that tree roots damage your foundation is when doors and windows start to stick or become difficult to open and close. This is because the roots have put pressure on the frame of your house, causing it to warp.
If you have a basement, you can see if there are any cracks in the walls or floors. You can also look for water seepage, another sign that tree roots have damaged your foundation.
What can you do if your foundation is already damaged by tree roots?
If you think tree roots have already caused damage to your foundation, it’s important to get the problem fixed as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the worse the damage will become. You should call a professional foundation repair company to come and assess the damage. They will be able to tell you what needs to be done to fix the problem. In some cases, they may recommend that the tree be removed entirely. If the damage is extensive, they may also recommend having your foundation repaired or replaced.
The process of repairing a foundation that the roots of a tree have ensnared is slightly more complicated than repairing a normal foundation. When roots grow under a foundation, they can lift and crack the concrete. Sometimes, the damage is minor and can be repaired with a little patching. However, the foundation may need to be completely replaced in severe cases. If you have a tree damaging your foundation, you may wonder if you should cut it down. While cutting down the tree will stop the damage, it may not be necessary. In many cases, the damage can be mitigated by simply removing the roots causing the problem.
At times, you might be required to pluck the tree out of your home and replace it somewhere else. While a foundation repair company can help you with that, it’s always better to talk to a landscaping specialist to ensure that you are not doing more damage than good.
Preventing tree roots from damaging your foundation
The best way to deal with tree roots is to prevent them from damaging your foundation in the first place. The easiest way to do this is to keep trees and shrubs at least 2 feet away from your foundation. If you have trees on your property, ensure they are regularly trimmed so their roots don’t have a chance to grow too close to your foundation. You should also avoid planting trees and shrubs with aggressive root systems, such as willow trees. If you already have trees on your property, you can have their roots treated with a root barrier to prevent them from growing further.
Another way to prevent tree roots from damaging your foundation is to make sure that the soil around your foundation is well-drained. This will help to prevent moisture from seeping into the soil and causing the roots to expand. You can achieve this by installing gutters and downspouts around your house and making sure that the ground slopes away from your foundation.
When it comes to trees and shrubs, a little bit of prevention can go a long way in protecting your foundation. By trimming them and being safe from your foundation, you can avoid the costly repairs that come with tree root damage. But remember, no matter the damage, foundation repairs are always best for the professionals.
