Tree Root Foundation Problems

The Facts

• Tree roots are very strong but they aren't capable of cracking or spreading cracks in your foundation with the roots alone. Foundation damage is caused or exacerbated by tree roots as they suck moisture out of the soil that supports the foundation, according to the Renegade Gardener website. Roots that grow beneath the foundation pull up all of the moisture. As moisture is drawn out of the soil it compacts and hardens. Gaps form, the weight of the structure pushes the foundation into these spaces, and cracks form in the concrete.

Determining the Cause

• Other problems cause the same effects on a foundation as tree root damage, and homeowners find it challenging to check if a tree root created a crack or low spot in their foundation. Digging around the edge of the foundation will allow you to find some large roots that may be growing down and under the structure, according to the Morton Arboretum. Most tree roots stay just below the surface of the soil under they encounter a block-like the concrete foundation.

Prevention

• It is easier to keep tree roots away from your foundation than it is to remove them once they've grown under and around it. The deeper the foundation is poured, the harder it is for roots to damage, according to the Morton Arboretum. Avoid planting trees that grow quickly and like wet soil, like willows and birch, too closely to the home. Another preventative measure involves digging a deep trench around the foundation and installing a root barrier.

Treatment

• Cracks that have formed in your foundation may not be noticeable but they do slightly weaken the overall strength of the structure, according to StablWall. Repair all cracks promptly to ensure structural integrity. If a trained arborist can pinpoint the root structure that is causing the settling, tree removal prevents further damage. If you are tempted to try watering around your foundation to keep the soil hydrated and to prevent compression, keep in mind that this encourages more root growth.