The trees in your yard have more of a say in your home’s health than you might think. Tree roots, for example, can cause the soil around your foundation to shift, making it more prone to foundation damage.
Luckily, there are steps you can take to mitigate that damage while still allowing your trees to flourish.
Tree roots that grow too close to your foundation do not physically grow into your home. These roots can, however, cause unexpected foundation damage. As a tree’s roots grow, they’ll cause the soil around your home to gap and shift. Your foundation can sink into the gaps the soil leaves behind. With that settling comes a higher risk for foundation cracks and other types of damage.
If you’re looking to protect your home from root-based damage, you have several preventative steps you can take. These include but are not limited to:
No two types of trees are the same in terms of their needs and their growth rates. There are some trees, however, that are known to have more aggressive roots than others. You’ll want to try to avoid planting these trees in your yard if you’re concerned about the state of your foundation.
These types of trees include:
If you already have some of these trees in your yard, don’t fret. You can work with the tree removal professionals in your area to either have them removed or transplanted. Alternatively, you can reach out to an Orlando, FL, foundation and crawl space repair professional to discuss which waterproofing measures and foundation repair options will best help you stabilize the ground around your foundation.
Do note that if you want to plant these sorts of trees in your yard, you still can. To do so without compromising the safety of your foundation, you’ll want to keep them at least 20 feet away from the perimeter of your home or further. Alternatively, you can reach out to your local nursery and try to find a similar type of tree to take home, as the invasive nature of these trees’ roots can’t be traced by genus.
Ready to protect your home from invasive root systems? Get in touch with a foundation and crawl space repair professional today for a home inspection and a free quote on any repairs or installations you may need.