4 Ways Tree Roots Can Harm Your Home

Large, beautiful trees create cooling shade in your yard and provide a home for neighborhood wildlife, but the roots can wreak havoc on your house. A tree's root system is almost always larger than the spread of its branches — often two to four times the diameter of the crown. That means the roots can reach far beyond the tree's shade and potentially disturb or damage several parts of your home without you realizing it.

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What Are Some Ways Tree Roots Can Harm Your Home?

Tree roots grow in all directions, seeking the minerals, nutrients and water the tree needs to survive. While rampant growth helps your trees stay healthy, the extensive root system can push its way against and through structures that are vital to your home's structural integrity. The following issues are common types of damage caused by tree roots.

Cracks in Your Foundation

Tree roots that grow near your home's foundation may push on it and cause structural damage ranging from cracks to movement in your foundation. If the damage is severe enough, it could cause your home to become unstable. Root growth also shifts the soil, which could cause gaps in support and affect the foundation's stability.

When tree roots damage your foundation, you might notice visible cracks outside or in your basement or crawl space. If the pressure causes the foundation to shift, your floors might become uneven. Windows and doors may not open or close as easily.

Water and Sewer Line Damage

Your home's water and sewer lines run under the ground, which could put them in the way of growing tree roots. Pipes sometimes crack from the pressure of the roots, and the roots sometimes grow into the pipes, creating clogs. Once the pipes become damaged, water or sewage can leak out and cause more damage to your lawn.

Standing water or soggy areas in your lawn could be a sign of this type of tree root damage to a house. Early signs of sewer line issues include slower drains, gurgling noises and sewer odors in your house. Clogged sewer pipes may cause sewage backups inside your home. A plumber can use a camera to inspect the lines and look for tree roots and any associated damage. Cracked water and sewer lines typically need to be replaced, which can be costly.

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Septic Tank Issues

If your home uses a septic tank, trees planted near the tank or drain field could damage and clog the system. Roots in the drain field can clog or crack the pipes that help disperse the wastewater. When this happens, the soil can't properly filter the wastewater, which disrupts the natural processes of the system. Pressure from the roots on the tank can cause it to crack or become damaged, which could cause leaks and keep it from working properly.

Signs of tree root issues in your septic tank include bad odors outside near the system and indoors. You could also have sewage backups in your home. Outdoors, the area might have standing water or extra-green grass over the area due to the leakage. Replacing the damaged parts is often necessary to restore your septic tank system. You can avoid these issues by placing your septic tank away from existing trees and avoiding planting new trees near an existing system.

Uprooted Sidewalks and Hardscape Features

Trees planted near sidewalks, driveways, walkways, retaining walls and other landscape features could damage those structures. You might notice lifted areas of those features where the roots have grown underneath and pushed them up. Paved areas may develop cracks, and pavers used in patios and other structures might become displaced. Even if the roots don't reach your hardscape features, they can shift the soil in the area, potentially affecting the structural integrity of the features.

You may be able to remove roots that grow under the structures. This allows you to repair the damage without the roots being in the way. Root barriers are also an option if you notice tree roots getting close to your foundation, sidewalks, retaining walls or other features of your home. When the roots reach the barrier, they're forced to grow downward instead of toward the structure.