Can Tree Roots Damage Foundations?

Understanding How Tree Roots Affect Your Texas Foundation

When it comes to protecting your property, your foundation is an important aspect. This can cause homeowners to wonder, “Will tree roots damage my foundation?”

If your trees are well-planted and their roots are managed properly, the risk of foundation damage can be significantly reduced. However, it is possible. In this blog, our team at G.L. Hunt will explore how tree roots can affect your foundation and what we can do to help.

Tree Roots And Foundations: Why Do They Interact?

Tree roots naturally grow in search of water and nutrients, and they spread out beneath the soil to meet these needs. While roots primarily grow horizontally, they can stretch several feet from the trunk, depending on the tree’s age and size. As roots search for water, they can sometimes grow toward your foundation, especially if it’s built on soil that’s prone to moisture loss.

However, not all trees will cause foundation problems. The risk depends on the type of tree, its proximity to your foundation, and the soil conditions around your home.

How Will Tree Roots Damage Foundations?

When tree roots invade the area near your foundation, they can cause significant damage in several ways:

• Cracking or breaking foundation walls — In some cases, particularly when the foundation walls are made of concrete blocks, tree roots can apply enough pressure to crack the wall or create gaps between the blocks, compromising the foundation’s integrity.
• Lifting or pushing concrete slabs — As roots grow under a concrete slab foundation, they can exert pressure, eventually pushing up the concrete or lifting sections of the slab. This movement can lead to cracks and uneven floors.
• Soil shrinkage — In areas with clay soil, tree roots can absorb large amounts of water, which dries out the soil and causes it to shrink. This shrinkage can destabilize the foundation, leading to cracks in walls and floors.

Signs That Tree Roots May Be Causing Damage

One of the first signs of foundation movement due to tree roots is cracks in interior walls or floors. These may appear as small hairline fractures that grow wider over time. You may also notice uneven or sloping floors. That’s because tree roots pulling moisture from the soil can cause the ground beneath the foundation to shift.

Gaps around windows or doors, along with leaning or sagging walls, are additional signs of trouble. If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to get your foundation professionally inspected as soon as possible as this prevents damage from worsening.

Trees That Don’t Damage Foundations

Not all trees present an equal foundation risk. Some have shallow root systems and are less likely to cause harm to foundations. Here are a few examples of trees that are less likely to damage foundations:

• Dogwoods — These small, ornamental trees have shallow roots, making them ideal for planting closer to your home.
• Japanese maples — Known for their beauty, Japanese maples have compact root systems that typically do not interfere with foundations.
• Redbuds — Another small, ornamental tree, redbuds have non-invasive roots that are safe to plant near a foundation.

On the other hand, large trees with aggressive root systems, such as oaks and willows, should be planted at a safe distance from your foundation to avoid potential damage.

Turn To G.L. Hunt For Foundation Help

At G.L. Hunt Foundation Repair, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing foundation damage caused by tree roots. Our expert team can assess your foundation for signs of a problem and repair any existing damage.

We proudly serve homeowners across Texas, so if you suspect tree roots are damaging your foundation or need help with an inspection, don’t hesitate to contact G.L. Hunt for a free, no-obligation consultation.