first “photo remodeling” idea
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They cause foundation damage
Notes:
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Slowly Grows and Expands:
Most people don’t realize that a tree’s root system is about the same size as the canopy. Not only is the root system usually massive, but roots are incredibly persistent and can push through the toughest of material in the ground. Unfortunately, this includes home foundations.
- When trees planted near the home spread their roots, they can come in contact with your concrete slab or foundation walls if you have a basement or crawlspace.
- Although concrete is a sturdy and rigid building material, tree roots can put enough pressure on your foundation to crack it. In worst-case scenarios, this can result in costly structural damage that puts your home at serious risk.
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Persistant Issue After Removal:
If you are looking for a solution for a root system potentially growing into your foundation, cutting down the tree may be your first thought. Unfortunately, dead roots will eventually decay and pose additional risks to your foundation.
- As the wood rots, it will eventually collapse and leave a void in the ground. If this void is beneath your foundation, you may experience severe damage or even structural instability where the foundation is no longer supported.
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How to Identify This Issue:
If you have trees growing near your home and you are concerned about the roots threatening your foundation, you can head into your crawlspace or basement to look for signs of damage.
- If you see horizontal cracks or wide vertical cracks on the foundation walls inside where the tree is planted, you may have an issue with intruding tree roots.
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- If you have a slab foundation, you’re more likely to notice signs of instability inside your home. Look for cracks in the sheetrock, doors and windows that are difficult to open or close, and sloping or uneven flooring.
- These all occur when a portion of your slab is no longer level or supported by the ground underneath.
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| Supporting Resources (opens new win) | |
| HOW: tree root system work | |
| HOW FAR: tree planted from house | |
| INFO: best/worst trees by house | |
| YOUTUBE: installing root barriers | |
| SHOP: home n’ garden (scroll) | |
second “photo remodeling” idea
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They can damage your plumbing
Notes:
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Tree Roots Seek Water:
Tree roots can pose an issue to your home even if they aren’t planted close enough to damage the foundation. Roots will naturally search for water, and the plumbing and sewage lines entering and exiting your home are prime sources of water.
- Just as tree roots can push through solid concrete, they can infiltrate copper and even iron pipes traveling underground, as well as septic system equipment. Even if they don’t break through the piping, they can cause the plumbing lines to dip or bow from the added pressure.
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Waster Water/Plugged Lines:
Underground plumbing lines that are affected by tree roots can crack and become clogged with dirt and debris. The roots may also grow inside the pipe and cause severe blockages. In either case, your water bills will likely be higher than normal because of the wasted water.
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How to Identify This Issue:
Most damage to your plumbing lines due to tree roots will only be evident from inside your home. If you notice multiple plumbing fixtures becoming clogged or draining slowly, it’s possible that you have a tree root issue somewhere outside your home.
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- Most homeowners experiencing these symptoms benefit from calling in a professional plumber to perform a video inspection of the clogged lines. This will help determine if tree roots are the issue.
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| Supporting Resources (opens new win) | |
| HOW TO: prevent tree root pipe damage | |
| HOW TO: get roots out of sewer lines | |
| YOUTUBE: blocked sewer lines | |
May We Suggest Other Photo Remodeling Ideas About
“Planting Tree Good News”
third “photo remodeling” idea
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They can promote termites
Notes:
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Termites Flower the Roots:
Finally, tree roots have the potential to attract termites and other insects to your home. This is usually only an issue with dead or dying trees or infected trees that have decaying roots. Termites and other wood-destroying insects (WDI) are naturally attracted to rotting wood, so the dead roots will act as a beacon for them.
- The insects will naturally move from the roots to the next available wood source, which is likely the framing and floor joists in your home if the dead tree is close enough to the house.
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How to Identify This Issue:
The easiest way to identify termites and other wood-destroying insects is to inspect the interior of your house and look for signs of infestation.
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- These include small holes in or discoloration on the sheetrock throughout your home, visible insects in your living space, squeaky floorboards, wood that sounds hollow when you tap on it, and frass, which is a collection of wood and insect fecal matter that typically collects on the floor.
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| Supporting Resources (opens new win) | |
| ASK: is my house at risk (root termites) | |
| INFO: get rid tree stump near house | |
| YOUTUBE: inspecting trees for termites | |
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fourth “photo remodeling” idea
copyright image by Pixabay
Wrapping up: How tree roots can damage your home
Notes:
- Keeping trees on your property is generally a positive thing, as they can increase the natural beauty of your home and provide privacy from neighbors. Unfortunately, roots from trees planted near your home can cause severe damage that is very costly to repair.
- Roots can push through your foundation, damage your underground plumbing and sewage lines, and attract wood-destroying insects into your home. Understanding how to identify these issues before they become severe can save you massive headaches and, potentially, thousands of dollars.
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Trees Can Damage the Roof:
Trees can benefit your garden in a lot of ways. They add beauty, shade, and privacy, and they provide refuge for both birds and insects.
- Sadly trees can cause a few problems of their own, especially if they start to grow over the roof.
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- Over time they can begin to damage the roof in a few different ways, and these issues can be expensive to fix. Here are four ways trees can damage your roof (and how you can prevent further damage).
- view post: How Trees Can Ruin Your Roof
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ways tree roots are costing you money?
| References (opens new win except noted) | |
| SERVICES: tree services (see below) | |
| HOW TO: remove a tree | |
| HOW TO: remove tree stump painlessly | |
| PLANNING: garden maintenance (same win) | |
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Cover image credit: ways tree roots are costing you money by Pixabay
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