Are trees around my home's foundation a problem?

Foundation problems from trees shouldn’t leave you stumped. When your slab cracks, the damage won’t just leaf. So taking the necessary precautions will empower you to look at those roots and say with the utmost confidence: Why don’t you make like a tree, and get out of here……no wait, that’s not right is it?
I could go on with all these tree puns, but there’s nothing humorous about trees causing foundation problems with your home. In this article, we will go over different situations in how trees can impact your home’s foundation. By the end it is our hope that you will have enough information to make the best decision for your home’s foundation if trees are part of the equation.
In this article we will cover only homes that have trees in the vicinity.

There are three main elements to consider.

1. A home built with a tree already fully grown
2. A home built where a tree is planted or installed near by
3. A home that had a tree, but was later cut down.

Is it possible for tree roots to harm the foundation of your home?

Each situation can have an effect and we will cover them now.
When a home is built next to a fully grown tree, you most likely won’t have to worry about foundation issues. The roots are established and as long as the construction didn’t interfere with the root path, you should see little problems due to tree roots. There are root blockers that can be placed at the footing to help divert any further root growth. I’ll give more info on those later in this video so stay tuned.

Should I avoid planting trees to prevent foundation problems?

So many of us want to improve the landscaping around our home. The more pleasing to the eye, the better. This sometimes involves a wonderful act like a family planting a tree together. At Arizona Foundation Solutions we strongly encourage planting trees to beautify your landscape and your communities, so long as you take the necessary precautions. Trees planted without protection can make their way to the home’s foundation. Slow movement of soil can cause a foundation to shift or sink. If cracks are in the footing or slab, roots can make their way there and slowly increase the size of the cracks. Like water, roots follow the path of least resistance. It’s best to plant trees a certain distance from concrete structures like foundations and sidewalks. A good measure to follow is to find out the length of the tree's canopy at maturity. Divide that number in half.. So if a canopy is 40 feet, plant the tree at least 20 feet away from your home.

How do trees impact a home's foundation?

Sometimes the relationship between a tree and a house just doesn’t work out. Trees fall over and damage a house, Trees lose their canopy and no longer shade the home in summer. So a separation happens and we think all will be ok. But is it though? A large tree that once absorbed gallons of water a day from the land around your home is no longer doing so. Over even a small amount of time, moisture saturates the soil and seeks out the cool dry soils found under your home. Now the separation from the tree has caused new problems. Expansive soils in addition to dead tree roots. Soil venting and root removal may be in order, but even root removal can lead to further foundation damage. Speak with a tree removal expert on the best option to remove dead roots.

Conclusion: Trees around my home

So are trees a problem? Not always, but just keep in mind that if you have an existing tree to install root barriers to protect your foundation. Install them 3-5 feet deep. You can purchase root barriers from Amazon, Home Depot and other hardware stores. If you choose to remove an already existing tree, consider the effects of moisture accumulation that are most likely to follow. If you are having issues with your foundation due to tree removal or growth, please give us a call. We want to find the best solution to protect your home’s foundation.

As a reminder, if any areas are either not addressed or are unclear to you, please contact your foundation specialist. If you have any questions before installation please give us a call at [1-602-470-1311]