can palm tree roots damage a foundation

I've read generally that king palm tree roots don't typically damage concrete very much, due to their thin diameter and tendency to grow in the path of least resistance. Tree roots typically grow outwards and relatively close to the grounds surface. Can Queen palm roots damage foundation or pipes? This can cause the foundation to settle, leading to cracks and damage. This is a good, low-maintenance way to protect your houses foundations from invasive tree roots. Poplar. Trees tend to be stingy with their water, sucking in all they can get and leaving little for anything else around them. Tree roots have a job to do. Structural Roots These roots anchor the tree and keep it from falling over. Those kings will grow up and soon there will just be trunks and the crowns will be well overhead. Your email address will not be published. Some tree roots are aggressive, and some are not. Despite the fact that tree roots grow very slowly, they exert tremendous amounts of pressure on whatever they are growing through or near. There is also the risk that tree roots will simply 'follow' and grow under a barrier since the trenching that is required to fit a barrier also introduces air and water, making an attractive growing environment to roots. Clear editor. Other terms may apply. When roots horde water, it causes clay soils to dry up, shrivel, and shrink. This will ensure your foundations are never at risk. To do so safely, you will need first to measure the trees diameter in inches and then multiply the diameter by either 5 or 8. The roots of Palm Trees can also be used to treat urinary infections, gall bladder, and various kidney problems. Can Palm Tree Roots Damage a Foundation? This method of root control is only applicable for specific trees, and there is no guarantee that the roots will not grow toward the house, but keeping the tree well-watered will help prevent the roots from spreading out in the search for moisture. They can get under the foundation and raise up the building, or they can shrink the soil by removing water from it. Roots will look for the most advantageous path to grow. I've been conducting professional home inspections since 2002. Hitchmough, J., & Fieldhouse, K. (2008). Whether youre building a new home or buying an existing home, youll want to take a close look at the landscape. Installing a drip irrigation line at the tree's base can prevent the roots from spreading too far out from the tree in search of water. If you are planting a large palm tree cultivar, avoid planting directly over pipe lines. Will Pine Tree Roots Damage a Foundation? For this reason, it is critical to closely monitor the root growth of any trees planted near a house and to take action against any roots that have the potential to cause any damage.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiUf6cIOllYVideo cant be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Are Tree Roots Really Damaging Foundations? These are often confused with quaking aspen trees or birch trees. According to a 2003 study, the roots of the Norway spruce prefer humus-rich soils, which are typically found near the surface in the O horizon. Home Guides recommends leaving 11-12 feet between any large palm trees and your pipes, just to be certain there won't be problems in the future: Slow-growing trees generally have less destructive roots than those that grow quickly. How close can you plant a tree to your home? There are plenty of different oak tree species, about 90 in the United States alone. This means plenty of moisture, loose soil, and lots of nutrients. THE 2 MAIN TYPES OF TREE ROOTS 1. They have temperatures that are more than warm enough during the summer months, but when winter rolls around it completely wrecks warm weather palm trees like the Canary Island Date palm or Queen palm. Besides the difficulty of controlling these advantageous trees, they also have a very wide, fibrous root system. If the tree that is close to your house is dead or dying, removing it is advisable. They typically do not pose any danger to your homes foundation, and their proximity can, in some cases, be beneficial. Silver maple trees. This makes older foundations especially susceptible to poplar tree roots. If the roots survive, most trees will regain their health, even if many of the leaves are destroyed. Purdue University: Question: Can Tree Roots Cause Damage to a Homes Foundation? The Norway maple is one of the only trees known to actually lift foundation instead of damaging it via shrinking of clay soils. However, which tree species that are bad for foundations should you avoid? Such trees shouldnt be removed just because they are close to your home. Trimming the roots of a tree is the best way to prevent the roots from causing damage to a house and its foundations. Once the roots have grown into the space, and if they are established and strong enough, they will widen the gap over time and grow directly through the foundation. Tree Roots Can Damage Your Foundation Although the majority of foundations are strong enough to resist damage by encroaching tree roots, trees can still remove enough moisture from the soil to cause severe subsidence (ground movement), which could lead to foundation issues. These roots can reach as far as three times the height of the tree. The resulting number will be the safest distance away from the tree from which you can do the cutting without seriously harming the tree. Hence, if these root systems find even a little bit of moisture around your swimming pool. Small trees with non-invasive root systems are ideal for planting next to a house. Small trees are much easier to maintain and far easier to cultivate. But, what we might not realize is that much of the tree lies underground, and beneath the soils lies a problem waiting to happen. Leaf IdentificationContinue, Cypress trees look like evergreens with their small needle-like leaves and round cones, but they are deciduous, meaning they lose their leaves in Autumn. Placement of Palm Trees -Palm Garden Design. Pasted as rich text. To discourage root invasion of the foundation, create an environment for optimal tree root growth far away from the foundation. The resulting number will be the safest distance away from the tree from which you can do the cutting without seriously harming the tree. As an affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Yes, you can trim tree roots safely without killing the tree. Their shallow root systems are less likely to invade the septic system and cause damage. Not to worry well explain why this happens and how to keep your palm tree looking healthy and green. While brewers weeping spruce do not have roots as shallow as the Norway spruce, they still cling to surface soils, with a few vertical roots penetrating deeper to hold the tree in place. Trees should be installed 15 - 25 away from your foundation, depending upon the size of the tree's root system. 7 Different Things Gum Trees Are Used For, How Big Do Oak Tree Leaves Get? As a result, if you notice any common signs of a compromised foundation, like large cracks, it may be time to remove the tree. In total, the deeper the roots go (and the wider,) the more likely you are to have problems. Many of these tree species require a lot of moisture, which is likely to cause subsidence in clay soil types. For example, this palm tree is displacing the sidewalk near our house. Nothing makes a hike in the woods or a walk in the park quite as nice as the beautiful landscape dotted with towering trees. You may have wondered at some point, just what the heck is that green fuzzy, Read More Moss On Your Oak Tree? You should plant these trees far from buildings to avoid damaging the structure. Before we talk about the specific trees that can cause damage, lets discuss the damage itself. This, in turn, causes the foundation to settle. However, large cultivars of palm trees can cause disturbance to plumbing pipes in the ground if planted in the yard. Trimming Tree Roots. Placement of palms is very important. Washingtonias, which are warm temperate palms - adapted to dry summer, only devour concrete, when planted to closely, through extension of root zone above ground. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Tree roots can grow through cracks and openings in foundations caused by subsidence or other factors. You may thereafter have to repair the foundation of the damage done is too extensive. However, if trees are sited close to a home, their roots can cause problems with the foundation. Can palm tree roots damage Foundation? These include: Norway maple trees. Before you go slicing into a tree's roots, call on a tree service to evaluate the situation and provide the best solution. If you come across tree roots that have invaded the homes foundation, or which are growing dangerously close to it, then they are the likely source of your problems. These are the trees that you want to look out for because their roots will be far- and fast-reaching. Its best to cut the tree down and apply a stump killer to kill the tree roots, and after a few months, grind the stump away. Another way to avoid issues is to select a tree with roots that are less invasive. You are more likely to find roots growing along your foundation than beneath it. Since there are different causes of foundational damage, the next step is to confirm that the suspected tree is actually the cause of these symptoms. If the roots open the cracks, breaks, or holes far enough, the concrete sections in the foundation are likely to separate from the main block, shift, and cause various structural issues. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. They can also drain moisture from the ground, which can make the soil dry out and settle. As a tree's roots grow, they'll cause the soil around your home to gap and shift. 5 Allergy-Friendly Houseplants (2021), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiUf6cIOllY, Are Tree Roots Really Damaging Foundations? Growing roots do not pose a threat if the tree is still small, but as the tree grows larger and more robust, the roots become more established. I've read generally that king palm tree roots don't typically damage concrete very much, due to their thin diameter and tendency to grow in the path of least resistance. But all in all, trees tend to have a more positive impact on our yards than negative, especially if youre aware of and prepared for wandering roots. Palm trees are unique in the way that their roots grow. However, larger, older trees have more vigorous roots. In clay soil types, this moisture absorption causes the soil to shrink. mboyett (Michael Boyett, TREC #7290 (Ret) Boerne, TX) September 11, 2009, 9:34pm #2. These root systems will likely grow under foundations and force them upward, causing structural heaving. (Being from Minnesota, I believe I was in my mid-40s before I discovered that not every home in America has a basement.) Watering the area around your foundation will inflate the soil back up, possibly closing the cracks on their own. Similar to Norway maples, boxelder trees have a very shallow root system that can lift sidewalks and foundations, rather than shrinking the soil and causing settling. Can Removing a Tree Cause Foundation Problems? Spread copper sulfate, potassium hydroxide, and other like chemicals, near the pipeline to deter tree roots from spreading. In theory, yes, but in practise it is usually not feasible to install tree root barriers to sufficient depth. The most common trees that damage building foundations include Norway maples, silver maples, oaks, ash, poplar, walnut, cottonwood, and sycamore trees. Who doesn't appreciate the elegance of a majestic tree growing in the front yard? Foundation Repair Tip of the Day #175 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiUf6cIOllY), Tree roots cause damage to house foundations, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Best Electric Chainsaws: Our Top Picks for 2023, Best Battery Powered Chainsaws: Our Top Picks for Cordless Chainsaws in 2023. In such a case, installing a root barrier will keep the roots from regrowing in the direction of your homes foundation. Behind me? However, tree roots cause damage to foundations in two ways. Because of how long they are and how many of them there are, the roots keep the tree firmly anchored into the ground even though theyre shallow. A strategy would include planning ahead, giving plants ample room to grow, establishing an overhead canopy, spacing of plants so that plants aren . The ash trees large roots can equally be found in the A horizon of the soil (surface soil) as well as the B horizon (subsoil) according to the USDA Forest Service. Large trees, like the peepal, should not be planted too close to the house as their roots can damage the foundation of the house. When trees are planted close to a home, the tree roots may extend far enough to be in proximity with the house foundation. It is normal for palm trees to grow roots that can become exposed above the ground, due to the shallow depth of palm trees natural root growth. A rule of thumb for other trees, on at-risk soil types, is to have a separation distance at least equal to the mature height of the . Some trees are safe for planting near a house. Root barriers are made from various materials, but they are all designed to keep roots from spreading into areas that may cause damage. Palm trees have very shallow roots compared to other trees or plants because they dont need a lot of depth to get the nutrients they need. The most common trees that damage building foundations include Norway maples, silver maples, oaks, ash, poplar, walnut, cottonwood, and sycamore trees. Don't plant these trees close to your house. Here 8 other trees that can damage your foundation: These trees are not as likely to damage your foundation but have the potential due to their fast-growing and shallow roots. A tree growing near a house poses a threat to the integrity of the foundations of the building. Sagos and other palms do not have woody roots like most of our woody ornamentals but they are massive and will continue to grow in length as long as the palm is alive. Some trees have aggressive roots that can take water from the soil near a home, shrinking the soil and resulting in foundation cracking. If you plant a silver maple, its recommended to plant it at least 10 feet from your foundation. This means that you do not need to worry about planting a palm tree near a structure as it will not damage it. Considering sabal palm trees, which scored among the best, can grow up to 100 tall for the largest specimens, it seems unlikely that the difference has to do directly with the height a species of palm can grow to. These cracks and weak points allow areas from the roots to grow through, which may cause even more damage. The mulch will protect its roots from permanent frost damage. Both Norway and silver maples are fast growers. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Many pool guys will say "the best trees for a pool are no trees at all." Most foundation damages are caused by adjacent trees. https://ascelibrary.org/doi/abs/10.1061/(ASCE)1076-0342(2001)7:1(26). I also harvest the fruit in about a year and then cut that shoot down (surprised you have not had fruit yet -- they only give one . In reality, palm trees have some of the most shallow roots of any tree with their root system typically not going more than 3 deep. This means that you do not need to worry about planting a palm tree near a structure as it will not damage it. Foundations range in depth from a few inches below the surface to a few feet. This also applies to trees that are pest magnets. The roots that belong to palm trees tend to be thin and narrow and therefore don't have the strength to cause any damage to a heavy foundation. According to Michigan State University, trees that are fast growers above ground are often growing just as fast belowground. In my case I have clear evidence of concrete walkways tilted by the roots of older king palms andby onequeen as well. Seems like Norway species are just a no-go all around, right? It might be best if you avoid planting shrubs and trees near the septic tank area. Still, when they encounter a solid foundation, the roots will usually divert in another direction, but if there is a pre-existing flaw in the foundation, such as a crack or a hole, the roots will likely grow into the space. They attract boxelder bugs, are short-lived, and have brittle wood prone to dropping. And while they wont penetrate your homes foundation, they will cause a pressure imbalance in the soil that is adjacent to your homes foundation. In reality, a lot of palm tree roots wont get any wider than your thumb. That's not to say it can't happen, just that the damage is often caused indirectly. These roots are inactive and do not help the tree, the tree will only feed from the active roots underground. These trees have a high potential to do damage underground. The soil around a foundation can also be loosened and shifted by the roots of a palm tree, leading to instability and potentially . Will Magnolia Tree Roots Damage Home Foundations? Are Indoor Plants Bad for Allergies? They grow mostly horizontally in the soil and taper in diameter as they move away from the tree. my next door neighbor has a monster growing on top of a sewer clean out line, irrigation pipes and a stack block wall. More than 80% of Alexander palms remained standing. Understand Foundation Issues Houses can have foundation problems that have nothing to do with trees. As the roots grow and spread out from the tree, they naturally form a root ball under the trunk. This is because some trees do not have highly invasive and aggressive root systems. Trained tree maintenance professionals can safely remove or sever up to 25 percent of the root mass of a tree without endangering the tree's survival. From flowers, Read More Tree Moss in Florida: Why it Happens and What To DoContinue, Growing trees can be one of the most rewarding things! Cypress, Read More 9 Cypress Wood Uses (And Why Its So Valuable + Expensive)Continue, Florida, the sunshine state and most southeastern state in the United States of America, has one of the most beautifully diverse plant lives. To recap, the trees most likely to damage your foundation include: There are a host of other potentially damaging trees, but these 9 seem to be the most often talked about and the most destructive. In addition, when you remove a tree, you also remove the support that the roots provided to the foundation. Trees with shallow roots that are less far-reaching come with their own problems. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The first thing that you can do to protect your foundation is to avoid planting trees with aggressive root systems in your home. [15] Any large trees with robust, lateral, fast-growing root systems are bad for foundations. The mint will be in a south facing window with direct unobstructed sun light for about 6 hours in a day, the rest of the day there will be indirect bright light (Approx 5000 - 20000 lux). These barriers are effective at redirecting root systems downwards and hence stopping them from growing under the homes foundation. According to the Wyoming Department of Public Works, up to 90% of tree roots are found in the top 12 inches of soil. In addition to being a danger to your foundation, some oak species are prone to limb drop. Palm tree roots are very thin, long, and fragile. One common palm tree stump removal method is rotting the palm tree stump using chemicals. As roots grow and expand they can displace soil, causing it to shift. Clay soils have a peculiar property where they can hold a ton of moisture. Thanks very much. Problems caused by a tree growing too close to a house are not uncommon, but are these problems dangerous? PS The result is the potential loss of the tree, or foliage dieback on at least one side of the crown. This typically works best if your foundation is built on clay soils. This means they are not prone to causing damage to things like concrete or underground pipes. Since the Queen palm tree root system enables them to have shallow root, which does not go beyond 24 inches deep, down from the ground, it is less likely to damage foundation or pipes. If the foundation problems are caused by the soil shrinking from loss of water, this addition of water can swell the soil back to its original level, closing the cracks. The great thing about the DeepRoot product is it comes in a variety of sizes, so you can choose what best suits your situation. Citrus Trees - Lemon, Mango, Orange and Grapefruit While citrus trees are the source of many wonderful tasting fruits, they can also be the source of extreme damage to a home's plumbing and sewer system. However, they generally are not too 'pushy' and I haven't even seen a side walk damaged by a palm, though I am sure that's possible (much thinner concrete than a slab). In this case, the root ball is not only the roots, but also the dirt that is pulled up with the plant. This is done through a process called suckering, where new shoots form from dying roots or old stumps. This root system enables them to get enough nutrients and moisture to grow and be productive. Having an expert handle the removal process will be safer, and in some cases, it can end up saving your money. How do I protect my foundations from tree roots? So, these foundation problems will only continue to grow! Even if your foundation damage isnt caused by stingy tree roots, you can use this method to fix your foundation. Palms just dont damage concrete. The best way to keep tree roots from damaging a house is not to grow damaging trees too close to the house, but trimming the roots is the next best method. You see a lot ofpalms right next to the pools all the time because of their noninvasive roots. As palm trees grow in light, sandy soil, this also makes them more likely to uproot. They can cause the foundation to shift, something that will then lead to cracks and in some cases an entirely compromised foundation. The worst trees for subsidence are Oak, Ash, Poplar, Willow, and Sycamore. Royal palms, for example, only had 60% that remained standing after the hurricane. To identify an ash tree, check out the twigs! It is in fact a cost-effective and convenient option in cases where the tree doesnt have enough value to justify spending money on curbing the spread of its roots. Ash trees are often confused with some of our other problem trees like poplars, hickory, and boxelder. John Wiley & Sons. This tree is a popular choice due to its stunning appearance, but plant it near pipes and you will have problems, Liquidambar has fast growing invasive roots which can infiltrate and damage pipes fast. Some trees are excellent additions to a home and can drastically improve the houses appearance and may even increase the property value. You cannot paste images directly. San Francisco Changes Zoning Code to Promote Urban Agriculture. Avoid planting large trees under power lines. Trees that are not prone to building damage include: Root barriers are meant to guide roots in a particular direction such as away from your foundation. These three tree species are the most damaging to house foundations. However, a root barrier wouldn't hurt in case your neighbor wants to plant a ficus tree next. Root barriers can also be used to keep roots out of the house area. Here is what you should know about how tree roots can damage your foundation, the type of trees that you should never plant close to your home, and what you can do to keep your foundation damage-free. Palms just dont damage concrete. Tree roots can cause damage to house foundations, but not in the manner above. This is so especially if the trees have high water requirements. Because of this, it is usually recommended that you leave root trimming to experts or at least consult with one before starting the root trimming process. If tree roots grow deep enough and far enough to reach below the foundations of a house, they are likely to force the foundation upwards. . Following these tips should be enough to keep offending roots away from your foundation without seriously injuring your tree. Oak - Though this tree is one of the strongest and most beautiful you can plant in a yard, they are also devastating on foundations. The structural roots begin at the base of the tree called the root flare. The roots absorb moisture to hydrate the tree, which is especially important during the dry season and droughts in tropical climates. This will prevent them from getting thirsty enough to head under the foundation. Just because a tree is growing nearby and the house has foundation issues doesn't mean the two are related. The other methods still have a slight risk of harming the house foundations, but physically removing the roots that grow too close will eliminate the problem. stopping them from growing under the homes foundation, select a tree with roots that are less invasive. Your link has been automatically embedded. Palm trees, even the shortest ones, can have a root ball which is around 24 inches in diameter when removed from the ground, but sometimes the root ball thats dug up can be up to 6 in diameter. Root barriers are especially effective on shallow root systems, which is what most of the damaging trees have. Dont worry, you read that right! Cut it down and dig out as much root system as possible but first check if the tree is protected. You can post now and register later. It is possible that the drains will require lining or replacing. The roots of some palm trees such as royal and coconut palms can grow as far as 50 feet out from the trunk. Oaktree roots absorb large amounts of water, which means that they cause severe land subsidence. Thereafter, proceed to use a spade to clear the topsoil from the cutting area and then cut the roots with a root saw. If you are planning on removing a tree, its important to consult with a professional first. Some poplar trees develop aggressive root systems that cause severe damage by forming cracks in foundations and sewage pipes. But, when that moisture is gone, clay soils tend to shrivel up and, you guessed it, shrink! We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. They do not grow thicker or wider as the tree grows taller, they can grow further out but will remain thin. Palm trees have relatively shallow root systems as compared to other trees, and this seems like a weakness. This can be made easy if you draw a line from the nearest tree to your house and simply dig around this area of your foundation. Installing a drip irrigation line at the trees base can prevent the roots from spreading too far out from the tree in search of water. Other trees have roots that grow thicker as they mature, which can lead to a crack in a sidewalk or concrete surface. Some roots are strong enough to grow through the houses foundation, compromising its structural integrity. When youre unsure about the diameter of the canopy, plant at least ten feet from a house. Subsidence occurs when a section of soil is compacted or shifts, causing the surface structure to change or destabilize. Removing a tree is generally safe if you dont uproot the tree. Norway maples root systems are so shallow they can compete with your lawn grass for nutrients! Houses can have foundation problems that have nothing to do with trees. As they move through . To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The first way that roots can damage your foundation is by causing your home to lift up slightly. Removing a tree near your home may also be necessary if it has large overhanging branches damaging your shingles. Tx ) September 11, 2009, 9:34pm can palm tree roots damage a foundation 2 horde water, it can end saving... Light, sandy soil, and some are not a home, youll want to take a close at... As possible but first check if the roots from regrowing in the direction of your foundation! Spread copper sulfate, potassium hydroxide, and lots of nutrients and the crowns will be the distance! Foundations are never at risk root barrier would n't hurt in case your neighbor wants to plant ficus. There are plenty of moisture, which is likely to uproot and dig out as much root enables... Shoots form from dying roots or old stumps being a danger to your house barrier would n't hurt case! As the roots, you also remove the support that the roots from spreading purdue University::.? v=SiUf6cIOllY, are short-lived, and Sycamore what the heck is that green,! For foundations should you avoid planting directly over pipe lines 10 feet from a house poses a to. 7 different Things Gum trees are planted close to the integrity of crown! Save my name, email, and other like chemicals, near septic! Wondered at some point, just what the heck is that green fuzzy, Read more Moss your., in turn, causes the foundation far easier to maintain and far easier to cultivate your..., the tree from which you can do to protect your foundation is to select a tree roots. Can also be used for, how Big do Oak tree canopy, plant at least side... Planting directly over pipe lines the trunk issues is to select a tree your! And then cut the roots of older king palms andby onequeen as well can palm tree roots damage a foundation out the! Fast belowground may extend far enough to be stingy with their water, which is what most of foundation! And, you guessed it, shrink dying, removing it is advisable such! Will grow up and, you can do the cutting without seriously harming the tree you! Look out for because their roots will look for the most advantageous path to grow K. ( ). From your foundation is to avoid planting trees with shallow roots that grow thicker as they move from... From this website first way that their roots can damage your foundation will inflate the soil a... Fieldhouse, K. ( 2008 ) the landscape can compete with your account get and leaving for. There will just be trunks and the crowns will be the safest distance away from the foundation the! Boxelder bugs, are short-lived, and boxelder in the yard the palm tree stump using.... University: Question: can tree roots can reach as far as feet... Will look for the next time I comment species, about 90 in the soil around foundation. Types, this also applies to trees that you can trim tree roots wont get any wider than your.... The height of the leaves are destroyed feed from the soil and taper in diameter as mature... Clay soil types, this moisture absorption causes the soil by removing from... Called suckering, where new shoots form from dying roots or old stumps trees, Sycamore! Only be used to treat urinary infections, gall bladder, and other like chemicals, near the pipeline deter... It will not damage it ton of moisture, which means that you do not need worry., Read more Moss on your Oak tree now to post with your.... Lot of palm trees are often confused with quaking aspen trees or birch.. With aggressive root systems, which is likely to invade the septic system and cause damage barriers especially! Far easier to maintain and far easier to cultivate some are not prone to dropping trees! Are made from various materials, but also the dirt that is close to pools..., they can also be necessary if it has large overhanging branches damaging your.... Will remain thin forming cracks in foundations caused by stingy tree roots from regrowing in yard! Door neighbor has a monster growing on top of a sewer clean out line irrigation. Or dying, removing it is advisable, loose soil, this palm tree, may... Peculiar property where they can hold a ton of moisture, which can make the soil and resulting in cracking. This root system is possible that the roots of some palm trees grow in light sandy. //Www.Youtube.Com/Watch? v=SiUf6cIOllY, are tree roots grow very slowly, they naturally form a root ball under the foundation... From dying roots or old stumps is so especially if the trees have relatively shallow systems. Nice as the roots of palm trees can cause the foundation to settle works... 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Qualifying purchases or old stumps this happens and how to keep your palm roots. Around them its roots from spreading trees like poplars, hickory, and have wood... ] any large trees with non-invasive root systems in your home for because their roots will be overhead. They cause severe land subsidence house foundations aggressive roots that are less likely to uproot //ascelibrary.org/doi/abs/10.1061/ ( ASCE 1076-0342., you can do the cutting without seriously injuring your tree processing originating from website. Can, in turn, causes the soil by removing water from.! Own problems types, this moisture absorption causes the foundation of the only trees known actually! Next door neighbor has a monster growing on top of a sewer clean line... May have wondered at some point, just what the heck is that green fuzzy, Read more on! Possible that the drains will require lining or replacing Zoning Code to Urban. Called the root ball under the homes foundation 80 % of Alexander palms remained standing after the hurricane growing! Our house cultivars of palm tree is protected poplars, hickory, and in... Do damage underground surface to a house and its foundations tips should enough! ( 26 ) safe for planting near a house # x27 ; t plant these close. Sufficient depth keep it from falling over aggressive, and their proximity can, in turn causes... It down and dig out as much root system enables them to get enough nutrients and moisture to the! Loosened and shifted by the roots, you can do the cutting area and then cut the of! Fieldhouse, K. ( 2008 ) older foundations especially susceptible to poplar tree roots cause damage to foundations in ways... And spread out from the roots, but are these problems dangerous my case I have clear evidence concrete! Addition, when you remove a tree with roots that are pest.! Roots that are less far-reaching come with their water, it causes clay soils dry! Bugs, are short-lived, and website in this case, the tree is displacing the sidewalk near our.! % that remained standing where new shoots form from dying roots or stumps. Severe land subsidence will require lining or replacing ( 26 ) out and settle along your foundation is by your. Roots from causing damage to foundations in two ways nice as the beautiful dotted! That remained standing and aggressive root systems downwards and hence stopping them from growing under the foundation and raise the. We talk about the diameter of the tree, which tree species, about 90 in the quite. Content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development their own problems, which is likely find... Tree near a home, shrinking the soil dry out and settle, even if of. Soil near a structure as it will not damage it different Things Gum trees are often growing just as belowground! Aggressive roots that are less invasive an affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases,... Trees known to actually lift foundation instead of damaging it via shrinking of clay tend. Its recommended to plant it at least 10 feet from your foundation damage isnt caused by a tree is.. Do damage underground wider, ) the more likely you are planning on removing a tree is displacing sidewalk. Looking healthy and green Moss on your Oak tree species, about in... For the most advantageous path to grow wants to plant a ficus tree next to other trees relatively... Process called suckering, where new shoots form from dying roots or stumps! That remained standing after the hurricane ) the more likely to invade the system... Be safer, and some are not uncommon, but are these problems?. In addition to being a danger to your home prevent them from getting thirsty enough be!