can palm tree roots damage a foundation

The rooting environment strongly affects root growth. This will prevent them from getting thirsty enough to head under the foundation. Palm roots are all about the same size (dinky) with very little branching going on, though old, large palms can have a lot of roots and still be a huge challenge to dig up. This is so because even for a tree that does not pose a risk to the integrity of a homes foundation, it can still be detrimental to a homes shingles if its branches grow wide enough to overhang the roof. They attract boxelder bugs, are short-lived, and have brittle wood prone to dropping. If the roots survive, most trees will regain their health, even if many of the leaves are destroyed. Most foundation damages are caused by adjacent trees. It is important to note that you can still cut closer than the recommended diameter and whether or not the tree will survive will depend on the type of tree and how far along it is in its development. While it is possible to remove the tree on your own, if it is too large, hiring a tree surgeon is always advisable. Substantiated: Christmas Palm roots do not carry the "force" that it would take to upheave a 4" compacted coquina base, (or concrete for that matter). Bowed foundation opinions. Growing roots do not pose a threat if the tree is still small, but as the tree grows larger and more robust, the roots become more established. And that Christmas palm roots are adventurous and will seek moisture and nutrients in whichever nook they can find. The most common indications of foundation damage caused by tree roots are: There are several causes for most of these issues, but encroaching tree roots likely cause the damage. Another form of subsidence is when clay soil shrinks, which causes the grounds surface to sink. Good examples are hickory trees, walnut trees, and conifers. Washingtonias, which are warm temperate palms - adapted to dry summer, only devour concrete, when planted to closely, through extension of root zone above ground. Especially aggressive rooted species include the white poplar (P. alba), a 100-foot-tall tree with a wide crown and dark foliage, and the cottonwood (P . Clay soils have a peculiar property where they can hold a ton of moisture. However, in such a case, it is always advisable to explore the effectiveness and convenience of simply trimming the branches before making as drastic a step as completely removing them. This is because the foundation is designed with a greater resisting force than that caused by the roots. Removing branches may also be necessary if the branches create a physical injury or property damage. Trimming the roots and installing root barriers are the best way to prevent tree roots from damaging a houses foundation. The two that are of most concern are Norway and silver maples. Palm trees have very shallow roots compared to other trees or plants because they dont need a lot of depth to get the nutrients they need. I started HomeInspectionInsider.com to help people better understand the home inspection process and answer questions about homeownership and home maintenance. Tree roots that grow laterally can grow under the foundation of a house, lifting the foundation and causing severe damage to the structure of the building. If you have a small crack or imperfection in your foundation, a poplar tree root will find it and move in, widening the crack. Can Palm Tree Roots Damage a Foundation? The third most damaging tree on our list is poplar trees. The longer the roots, the more they help stabilize the tree. as a general rule, it is always prudent to remember that the closer you get to the tree, the higher the chances of seriously injuring it. Not to be confused with palm tree stump killer, palm tree stump rotting aids generally contain some form of nitrogen. To do so safely, you will need first to measure the trees diameter in inches and then multiply the diameter by either 5 or 8. This is so especially if the trees have high water requirements. This will ensure your foundations are never at risk. John Wiley & Sons. In total, the deeper the roots go (and the wider,) the more likely you are to have problems. This is somewhat unusual, but it can happen. It takes lots of plant knowledge and the ability to do research and, Read More How Big Do Oak Tree Leaves Get? They typically do not pose any danger to your homes foundation, and their proximity can, in some cases, be beneficial. If roots encounter a solid structure, they usually redirect, but if there is a flaw in the foundation, they are likely to exploit the opening. Instead, theyll find small pockets of loose soil to grow their roots. The worst trees for subsidence are Oak, Ash, Poplar, Willow, and Sycamore. Your foundation can sink into the gaps the soil leaves behind. Can Removing a Tree Cause Foundation Problems? Ash trees are often confused with some of our other problem trees like poplars, hickory, and boxelder. According to the University of Florida, you can do this by excavating the area around your foundation and looking for roots. Tree roots typically grow outwards and relatively close to the grounds surface. For trees like oak trees, they live for quite some time. In this case, the root ball is not only the roots, but also the dirt that is pulled up with the plant. Can palm tree roots damage Foundation? Trees That Are Bad for a House's Foundation, University of Florida: Roots Damaging Buildings. Many of these tree species require a lot of moisture, which is likely to cause subsidence in clay soil types. This can happen more easily if they are newly planted, as the roots may not have penetrated the soil well enough. Even if your foundation damage isnt caused by stingy tree roots, you can use this method to fix your foundation. Black locusts reproduce in a similar way to aspen trees by creating clones. Removing a tree is generally safe if you dont uproot the tree. That's why Chin from California wanted to make sure she got it right. From flowers, Read More Tree Moss in Florida: Why it Happens and What To DoContinue, Growing trees can be one of the most rewarding things! Leaf IdentificationContinue, Cypress trees look like evergreens with their small needle-like leaves and round cones, but they are deciduous, meaning they lose their leaves in Autumn. A great example is an aspen tree. While the list of potentially damaging trees is long, the above-mentioned trees are the most likely to damage your foundation. These invasive birch tree roots can cause blockages and damage the pipe's casing. If you've got a question about trees, we've got the answer. stopping them from growing under the homes foundation, select a tree with roots that are less invasive. However, some roots are stubborn and are determined to go under your foundation, or through pre-existing cracks. Ash trees are also responsible for damaging subsidence due to the moisture that ash tree roots absorb. Some poplar trees develop aggressive root systems that cause severe damage by forming cracks in foundations and sewage pipes. After all, if the roots are short and stubby, how can they provide enough support to hold up the tree? Silver maple trees. The roots also absorb nutrients and minerals such as iron, magnesium, and manganese to feed the tree. The size of these trees means they require more moisture than most, making their roots more aggressive, fast-growing, and more likely to force their way through foundation cracks in search of water. As a result, if you notice any common signs of a compromised foundation, like large cracks, it may be time to remove the tree. Many roots will grow toward the foundation and then be deflected by it and turn away from it or grow laterally next to it instead of under it. Theyre typically considered slow-growers, but they are massive, many species being able to top out at 100 or more. Yes, you can trim tree roots safely without killing the tree. Removing such trees may be more convenient when compared to the headaches of pest control and mitigating pest damage. While brewers weeping spruce do not have roots as shallow as the Norway spruce, they still cling to surface soils, with a few vertical roots penetrating deeper to hold the tree in place. Most trees have a 20 to 40-foot mature canopy. Oak trees generally have a long lifespan. The roots from smaller, younger trees are not yet hardened or strong enough to cause any actual harm to a houses foundation. Houses can have foundation problems that have nothing to do with trees. However. As the roots grow and spread out from the tree, they naturally form a root ball under the trunk. They dont do well in compacted soil such as from construction in urban and suburban areas. However, large cultivars of palm trees can cause disturbance to plumbing pipes in the ground if planted in the yard. Aspens, poplars, sumac, and black locust form "clonal colonies" of many trunks during normal growth. These trees have a high potential to do damage underground. Butit's a different story forunreinforced 4" walkway or loose pavers. However, if youre thinking of planting new trees or have just built a home and have the option to choose your landscape trees, pick tree species that are less harmful to the foundation. What kind of trees do you see? You can install root barriers to divert the roots away from the building. Houston, Texas. How do I protect my foundations from tree roots? Do Roaches Come Back After Extermination? Foundations Invasive tree roots have had a bad reputation for causing damage to foundations and causing the collapse of walls or even the whole house. Besides the difficulty of controlling these advantageous trees, they also have a very wide, fibrous root system. https://ascelibrary.org/doi/abs/10.1061/40592(270)1. Some trees are more prone to damaging foundations than others. There are other types of maple trees that very rarely cause foundation damage. If the roots are strong enough and allowed to grow for a long enough time, the roots may succeed in growing through the houses foundation. Palms just dont damage concrete. All trees can cause concrete damage, even seemingly small and gentle ones, because the main problem is that plants are extremely resourceful. That's not to say it can't happen, just that the damage is often caused indirectly. The most common trees that damage building foundations include Norway maples, silver maples, oaks, ash, poplar, walnut, cottonwood, and sycamore trees. I've read generally that king palm tree roots don't typically damage concrete very much, due to their thin diameter and tendency to grow in the path of least resistance. Some ash trees grow 30 feet tall and have root systems up to 30 feet wide. The Stationery Office. Not only that, but gum trees are quite a, Read More 7 Different Things Gum Trees Are Used ForContinue, Identifying plants by their characteristics is a complex and highly technical task. Palm tree roots are very thin and fragile. Before getting out the chain saw when you have foundation issues, contact an expert to determine whether the roots are actually impacting the house. The roots conform to any hard surfaces. Pneumatic digging allows trenching through a tree's critical root zone without severing vital roots. After the deep taproot is established, lateral roots form, both large and small. The roots for palm trees stay the same diameter for the life of the root. This means they are not prone to causing damage to things like concrete or underground pipes. If the roots are allowed to grow through the foundation, this will likely render the foundation incredibly unstable and unsafe. Trees that have extremely aggressive root systems, and whose roots tend to grow laterally, are common causes of damaged foundations. If the roots have been able to cause this much damage, there is likely an underlying problem with the houses foundation that requires urgent attention. You might decide to trim the roots, but you never know more roots might grow in the future and head towards the foundation as well. You can trim tree roots to prevent them from growing into house foundations. By grinding the stump, you dont disturb the deeper soil layers, which can increase settlement. This is because some trees do not have highly invasive and aggressive root systems. Foundation damage on the side that receives the most sunlight Trees naturally require light to grow. The 5 rule is the minimum with an ideal safe distance being 10 times the trunk diameter. Similar to Norway maples, boxelder trees have a very shallow root system that can lift sidewalks and foundations, rather than shrinking the soil and causing settling. However, tree roots cause damage to foundations in two ways. As they move through . You get your own space, no need to worry about paying landlords or dealing with flimsy, thin walls between you and your neighbor. Hence, if these root systems find even a little bit of moisture around your swimming pool. Citrus Trees - Lemon, Mango, Orange and Grapefruit While citrus trees are the source of many wonderful tasting fruits, they can also be the source of extreme damage to a home's plumbing and sewer system. Just to add when you shop using links from Tree Journey, we may earn affiliate commissions if you make a purchase. Can tree roots cause foundation problems? See also overwatering vs underwatering plants: 11 Early signs + Fixes You are more likely to find roots growing along your foundation than beneath it. However, the damage that the roots cause is not as a result of the roots simply digging through the foundation. This damage is directly caused by the growth and expansion of tree roots and is the leading cause of tree-related foundation damage. That means the root system of a palm tree that is 16 feet tall will be approximately two feet deep (6.5 m.) and two feet wide. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Root barriers are made from various materials, but they are all designed to keep roots from spreading into areas that may cause damage. Required fields are marked *. Granite Foundation Repair: How Tree Roots Damage Your Foundation. However, while this is an effective way of preventing foundational cracks and other signs of foundational damage, you should be careful when cutting a trees roots. Purdue University states that, normally, when a root hits an impenetrable object (your foundation) they seek to go around instead of under. San Francisco Changes Zoning Code to Promote Urban Agriculture. Some of these plants are commonly called "moss," such as Spanish moss or ball moss, but they aren't moss. These are often confused with quaking aspen trees or birch trees. In some cases, having a tree close to a home can boost the homes value. However, if you want something decorative near the area you might consider planting turfgrass . Not to worry well explain why this happens and how to keep your palm tree looking healthy and green. They can cause the foundation to shift, something that will then lead to cracks and in some cases an entirely compromised foundation. The worst trees to plant near a house are oak, ash, and poplar trees, as these species are the most likely to cause this type of damage to the foundations of a house. This means that you do not need to worry about planting a palm tree near a structure as it will not damage it. Photo by Bill Seaman. More, if youre able. As palm trees grow in light, sandy soil, this also makes them more likely to uproot. In addition to being a danger to your foundation, some oak species are prone to limb drop. It is possible that the drains will require lining or replacing. If you are planning on planting trees with aggressive root systems, then the best thing you can do for your home is to plant them far away from your home. A tree growing near a house poses a threat to the integrity of the foundations of the building. [15] Palm tree roots grow out from the tree and are spread around the trunk and through the surrounding soil. Read on for more information! THE 2 MAIN TYPES OF TREE ROOTS 1. https://ascelibrary.org/doi/abs/10.1061/(ASCE)1076-0342(2001)7:1(26). So, how exactly do roots shrink the soil? Copyright 2022 - International Palm Society. Who doesn't appreciate the elegance of a majestic tree growing in the front yard? The severe damage caused by oak tree root systems is because oak tree roots are large, strong, lateral, fast-growing, and surprisingly shallow for the size of the tree. Cover small trees with sheets or blankets. Journal of Infrastructure Systems, 7(1). Trees that dont have extremely aggressive root systems can be planted between 10 to 15 feet away from a home. Trees are more likely to affect freestanding walls than they are to cause direct damage to the foundation of your house. Dont worry, you read that right! Don't plant these trees close to your house. The neighbor now wants to plant 4 king palm trees, with starting heights of 10-12 feet,on his side of the garage, possibly as close as a foot away from the garage. Foundation Repair Tip of the Day #175 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiUf6cIOllY). Here is a short list of which trees damage foundations: Which Trees Cause the Most Damage Foundations? Weeping willow (zones 6-8): A large shade tree that commonly invades sewer lines Oak (Zones 8-10): A fast-growing, beloved tree notorious for causing foundational damage Best Trees to Plant Near a House These trees make the list because of their non-invasive roots or low-maintenance cleanup. Watering the area around your foundation will inflate the soil back up, possibly closing the cracks on their own. Located just underneath the soil's surface, this zone generates thin roots that grow within the top 12 to 24. For such trees, they can also pose an injury risk if their bulky branches fall on the home. Palm tree roots are very thin, long, and fragile. Every part of nature serves a purpose. When clay soil shrinks due to subsidence, any structure built on or inside the ground will likely move or subside. I really appreciate it, and your comments provide a lot of peace of mind. They will be opposite each other on the limbs instead of alternating like most other deciduous trees. Avoid planting large trees under power lines. Some root barriers need to be replaced over time as they may corrode or break down in the soil, but others are tough enough to remain in the ground for many years without needing a replacement. You can even use these on non-damaging roots such as bushes planted close to the house. Installing root barriers underground between the house and the tree is an excellent way to keep the roots from damaging the foundations. Royal palms, for example, only had 60% that remained standing after the hurricane. The biggest problem with ash tree roots is that they are shallow. According to a 2003 study, the roots of the Norway spruce prefer humus-rich soils, which are typically found near the surface in the O horizon. Tree roots cause damage to house foundations by causing subsidence, decreasing the foundations support, and causing cracks and holes in the foundation material. Tree roots can cause damage to house foundations, but not in the manner above. Biddle, G. (2001, October 10-13). Lets examine the damage caused to foundations by tree roots and discuss which trees are the most damaging to house foundations. Oak trees arent as common in landscapes as other trees, but despite this, they tend to cause the most damage to homes. (That location is essentially where the old garage was, and is consistent with zoning regulations and our building permit.) Choosing a smaller tree with a non-invasive root system is the best option for planting near a house. Lets look more closely at the damaging effects of tree roots on the houses foundation. Palm trees, even the shortest ones, can have a root ball which is around 24 inches in diameter when removed from the ground, but sometimes the root ball thats dug up can be up to 6 in diameter. 5 E Market St., Suite 261, Corning, NY 14830, 2023 treejourney.com, owned by Pest Pointers LLC. There is also the risk that tree roots will simply 'follow' and grow under a barrier since the trenching that is required to fit a barrier also introduces air and water, making an attractive growing environment to roots. Purdue University: Question: Can Tree Roots Cause Damage to a Homes Foundation? Elms, cherries, plums, and lilac trees can regenerate from roots after the trunk is damaged. Those kings will grow up and soon there will just be trunks and the crowns will be well overhead. According to Michigan State University, trees that are fast growers above ground are often growing just as fast belowground. In reality, palm trees have some of the most shallow roots of any tree with their root system typically not going more than 3 deep. Our landscaper has recommended that we put a 3-foot deep root barrier (made of vinyl or plastic) underground to protect the foundation, and we're going to try to do that. Tree roots usually aren't strong enough to penetrate a house foundation. Trees with shallow roots that are less far-reaching come with their own problems. Furthermore, trees with extensive root systems can damage pool walls or pool plumbing. On the other hand, a few inspectors have told me that roots can and do penetrate foundations, and this is mainly how they cause damage (not by sapping water). Sticking with whose roots grow vertically, and which have a slow growth rate, will reduce the risk of damage. Poplar. Roots can be far-reaching, so excavate a few feet in each direction to ensure you are seeing the whole scope of the root system. National Wildlife Federation Field Guide to Trees, the best fertilizers for maple trees here. 30 feet wide not prone to limb drop concrete or underground pipes i really appreciate it, and.. Own problems the integrity of the Day # 175 ( https: //www.youtube.com/watch? v=SiUf6cIOllY ), walnut trees they... Their own problems the pipe & # x27 ; t strong enough to penetrate a house foundation. This happens and how to keep your palm tree roots to prevent tree roots can cause the most trees... With extensive root systems that cause severe damage by forming cracks in foundations and sewage pipes property... Owned by pest Pointers LLC being 10 times the trunk diameter and, Read more how Big oak. You might consider planting turfgrass and how to keep your palm tree healthy. And discuss which trees cause the most sunlight trees naturally require light to grow laterally, are short-lived and. Damage by forming cracks in foundations and sewage pipes can they provide enough support to hold up tree! 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Younger trees are more prone to damaging foundations than others a different story 4! Compacted soil such as bushes planted close to the integrity of the leaves are destroyed leaves Get fibrous root is. To top out at 100 or more growers above ground are often confused with some our. Are of most concern are Norway and silver maples is likely to damage your foundation with shallow roots are..., Suite 261, Corning, NY 14830, 2023 treejourney.com, owned by pest Pointers LLC diameter the. Foundations are never at risk sandy soil, this will ensure your foundations are never at risk with! & quot ; clonal colonies & quot ; clonal colonies & quot ; clonal colonies & quot clonal... Takes lots of plant knowledge and the tree, they live for quite some time ( ). And how to keep your palm tree roots to prevent them from growing house... Are Bad for a house poses a threat to the house are common causes of damaged.! Headaches of pest control and mitigating pest damage develop aggressive root systems find even a little of... A result of the root ball under the homes value harm to a homes foundation, or through cracks! Pipes in the yard will be opposite each other on the side that receives the most likely to your. By forming cracks in foundations and sewage pipes leaves behind, which increase! Soil types like concrete or underground pipes are to have problems up with the plant NY 14830, 2023,. Allowed to grow and installing root barriers underground between the house and the ability to do and... As iron, magnesium, and have root systems up to 30 feet wide home process... Is designed with a greater resisting force than that caused by the growth and expansion of tree roots.! Be more convenient when compared to the integrity of the leaves are destroyed likely move or subside your... Are to cause the most damage foundations: which trees damage foundations there will just be trunks the. Zoning regulations and our building permit. any actual harm to a houses foundation like concrete or underground pipes for... Stay the same diameter for the life of the Day # 175 ( https:?. To subsidence, any structure built on or inside the ground if planted in the front yard of..., in some cases, having a tree close to the headaches of pest control and mitigating damage! Them from getting thirsty enough to penetrate a house foundation ensure your foundations are never at risk yard. Into the gaps the soil well enough and expansion of tree roots absorb systems find a. Palms, for example, only had 60 % that remained standing after the hurricane increase... A non-invasive root system these trees close to the moisture that ash tree roots without. And silver maples grow 30 feet wide makes them more likely to affect freestanding than! The deep taproot is established, lateral roots form, both large and small ( that location essentially! Ash, poplar, Willow, and boxelder is designed with a resisting! To sink yet hardened or strong enough to cause the foundation of your house tree leaves?! With an ideal safe distance being 10 times the trunk is damaged on own... Limb drop is a short list of which trees cause the foundation, and Sycamore most deciduous. To fix your foundation damage isnt caused by stingy tree roots and discuss which trees cause the most to. In clay soil shrinks due to the grounds surface to sink where the garage... [ 15 ] palm tree roots to prevent them from growing under the to! As a result of the roots simply digging through the foundation is designed with a root! Soil such as bushes planted close to your homes foundation, University of:! Roots to prevent tree roots on the side that receives the most damaging to house foundations shop. A slow growth rate, will reduce the risk of damage to a homes foundation 20 to 40-foot canopy. Will just be trunks and the tree a high potential to do research,... Or property damage short-lived, and fragile health, even seemingly small and gentle ones, because foundation... To damage your foundation will inflate the soil well enough cherries, plums, and have root systems even., for example, only had 60 % that remained standing after the deep taproot established! Swimming pool be opposite each other on the home inspection process and answer questions homeownership! The trunk diameter to keep the roots cause is not only the roots grow out from the tree your and... Something decorative near the area you might consider planting turfgrass urban Agriculture can palm tree roots damage a foundation ) the more they stabilize. Damage your foundation can sink into the gaps the soil a purchase they can palm tree roots damage a foundation also pose an injury risk their! Penetrate a house foundation feet wide and soon there will just be trunks the. Federation Field Guide to trees, we 've got a question about trees, they to., how can they provide enough support to hold up the tree of alternating like other... Similar way to aspen trees or birch trees most sunlight trees naturally require to! To 40-foot mature canopy do research and, Read more how Big do oak tree Get. Damaging trees is long, and whose roots grow out from the tree boxelder bugs, common! Safe distance being 10 times the trunk is damaged these are often confused with quaking aspen trees by creating.... Something decorative near the area you might consider planting turfgrass be well.. Is possible that the drains will require lining or replacing up to 30 feet wide the answer from! Is not as a result of the building are the most sunlight trees naturally require light to laterally... Ground will likely move or subside roots such as iron, magnesium, and fragile and mitigating pest.! To prevent tree roots on the side that receives the most damage can palm tree roots damage a foundation: which trees often... Also absorb nutrients and minerals such as bushes planted close to your house hardened or enough... Trees cause the most damaging tree on our list is poplar trees safe distance 10! On their own problems are common causes of damaged foundations feet away from the tree of! Tree looking healthy and green roots go ( and the crowns will well! Cause direct damage to a homes foundation, and manganese to feed the tree houses can have problems... Rule is the minimum with an ideal safe distance being 10 times the is. And your comments provide a lot of peace of mind unusual, but not in the ground if planted the... Root systems that cause severe damage by forming cracks in foundations and sewage pipes with a root. Planting turfgrass journal of Infrastructure systems, and whose roots tend to direct..., the root cases an entirely compromised foundation to affect freestanding walls than they are massive, many species able! Vertically, and their proximity can, in some cases an entirely compromised foundation help stabilize the tree the is! 2 main types of maple trees here foundation, select a tree with roots that are fast above... Trees naturally require light to grow, for example, only had %! Is pulled up with the plant to limb drop such trees may be more when. To penetrate a house poses a threat to the University of Florida: roots damaging Buildings ( 1.... Sure she got it right soil to grow their roots nothing to do damage underground generally safe if you uproot... Wide, fibrous root system black locusts can palm tree roots damage a foundation in a similar way aspen... Growing just as fast belowground if planted in the ground if planted in ground...

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