Trees are no doubt the shelter of our house. We admire them for their beauty, and the environmental benefits they bring to us. But do you know the hidden danger lurking beneath the surface behind these flourishing greens? It is their roots. These roots have extensively established themselves in the soil and require water and nutrients. However, their spread can disrupt soil stability, crack concrete, and even shift structural foundations. These signs cannot be observed until the damage is severe. So, if you see any jagged tiles in your outdoor sanctuaries or some cracks in the concrete, know that it can be a tree root intrusion. But don’t worry! This guide is all about the necessary information about how you can get rid of such dangers, which can turn into costly nightmares! 

How Tree Roots Grow and Why They Become a Problem

Tree roots are in a search of moisture, oxygen, and nutrients. These roots establish themselves in the top 12 to 24 inches of soil, unlike what people usually think, that they grow deep underground. If a tree is planted near a building or sidewalks, it pushes the concrete and expands. Especially, if there is a water source near its vicinity, they move towards it and crack concrete, resultantly widening them over time.

The spread of these root systems varies from tree to tree. Some of the species have particularly aggressive root systems, due to which they spread rapidly and cause severe damage to pavements and buildings. 

Why Tree Roots Damage Sidewalks

Tree roots not only cause structural damage to your property but also result in financial losses. Root systems exert a significant amount of pressure in the soil. But if they are confined by a pavement they have nowhere to extend but upward. Beneath the pavement, the roots grow and disrupt the soil. This leads to uneven concrete surfaces, cracks, and lifts up the pavement. A tiny crack in the concrete allows the root to seep through and cause severe damage. As the roots expand, they exert pressure and force the slab to break open. 

Homeowners have to face extensive repair costs due to damage on the sidewalks. Not only this, but also damaged sidewalks become a trip hazard for the residents around it. This makes it liable for the property owners to repair these eyesores to remove the functionality of their spaces. 

Overall, the risk of sidewalk damage depends on the following factors: 

• The Tree species planted in its surrounding. 
• The composition of soil. It depends if it is prone to expansion and is clay-heavy
• The distance between the tree and the sidewalk. If the tree is planted nearby, the roots have no room to grow, ultimately sending roots under the pavement. 

How Tree Roots Damage Foundations

Intrusive roots do not only damage our sidewalk but also our building’s foundation. If they are not noticed in time, they can cause cracks and compromise the stability of our properties. Tree roots tend to break through concrete foundations to disrupt the soil balance. Soil movement is one of the dangerous issues that threaten our buildings.

• Soil Shrinkage – The leading cause of foundation gaps is the shrinking of the soil. This happens when the tree roots absorb moisture from the soil. Resultantly, the soil contracts and settles unevenly. This causes cracks in the walls, foundations and even makes it difficult to close doors.
• Soil Expansion –Structures can also be weakened due to expansion. Some soils expand more in comparison to others. One specific type is clay soil. It traps excess water and exerts pressure against the foundation walls.
• Root Intrusion – Roots can also take advantage of pre-existing cracks, thereby destabilizing structures.

These signs indicate that tree roots are causing the potential problem. Avoid major repairs that cost hundreds of dollars by addressing them timely. 

The Worst Trees for Sidewalk and Foundation Damage

Every tree is different from the other. Some are compact and pose a moderate risk while others have extensive root systems that threaten to compromise the structural stability of your buildings. This makes us wonder about the most problematic trees that could harm our structures. Check out the list below: 

• Willow Trees: Well-known for their highly invasive roots, are drawn to moisture and can easily infiltrate. 
• Silver Maple: Main causes of sidewalk disturbances due to their shallow, spreading roots.
• Poplar trees: They can alter the soil structure surrounding structures since they have one of the expansive root systems. 
• Elms: Despite their beauty, elms grow large, extensive root systems that can readily obstruct pipelines and pavement.

Some trees are safer to plant near sidewalks and buildings. These include: 

• Dogwood Trees – These grow at a slower pace and have compact roots that create minimal disturbance.
• Japanese Maple – An ornamental tree of small stature with non-invasive root growth.
• Redbud Trees – They are of moderate size. Their roots that stay relatively close to the trunk.

One of the most effective ways is to choose the right tree to prevent damage. So whenever you are planting near a structure, select a tree that has an invasive root system.

How to Prevent Tree Root Damage

Prevent tree root damage from happening in the first place. To do this, one must actively plan and plant trees carefully. 

Strategic Planting

Planting trees at a safe distance is a critical procedure. Plant at least 15–20 feet away from pavement and building if your tree has an invasive root system. Use a root barrier if you are planting near a sidewalk. This helps to prevent the roots from spreading under the pavement, thereby controlling its direction. 

Installing Root Barriers

Opt for physical defense against root intrusion by installing a root barrier. Place them vertically in the soil at the time of planting. They can mitigate the damage by forcing the roots to grow downward instead of outward.

Controlling Soil Moisture

Another key strategy is to keep the soil moisture consistent. Soils expand and contract, exacerbating root pressure on sidewalks and foundations.

A balanced irrigation system is the perfect option to regulate it as dry soil, which causes the soil to reach further in search of water, whereas overly wet soils damage infrastructures. 

How to Repair Damage from Tree Roots

Repair options depend on the extent of the problem once damage has occurred. For sidewalk damage, consider the following: 

• Grinding or shaving the elevated concrete to produce a smooth surface.
• Substituting damaged slabs by reinforcing and replacing with stronger materials.
• Using flexible paving alternatives that can adapt to slight root movements. For e.g, rubberized sidewalks. 

Repairs for foundation damage can be more complicated and costly. Approaches include:

• Foundation Underpinning involves adding extra support to stabilize structures that are shifting.
• Soil Stabilization regulates moisture levels to avert additional movement.
• Professional Root Pruning eliminates troublesome roots while keeping the tree unharmed.

In extreme situations, a tree removal may be necessary to remove the tree. However, consider this when no other solution works out for you. Prune your trees regularly and install a barrier to prevent tree removals. 

Final Thoughts

Tree roots are a powerful and often underestimated force. They feed trees, but may also harm sidewalks, driveways, and building foundations. Knowing why and how roots cause damage is important. Choosing the right trees, using root barriers, and managing soil moisture can lower the risk. It is wise to act early before damage occurs. If you see signs of root damage, talk to an arborist or foundation specialist at Tree Cutting BX. We can help save you thousands.