can removing a tree cause foundation problems

A member of the genus Pinus , pine trees are native to most of the Northern Hemisphere, which makes them easy to grow even for people living in cold climates.And yet some people hesitate to use pine trees because they worry that the roots of a pine planted near a house might cause damage to the foundation. Rotting roots can accelerate destabilization and increase the likelihood of foundation failure. Some homeowners believe that removing surrounding trees will fix the problem. To understand why, consider the portions of the tree that contact the foundation and the forces exerted.A root, root crown, or root flare running under a foundation can exert an upward pressure as the contacting portion expands in diameter.The root, root crown, root flare, or trunk, can also exert an inward pressure if they contact the outer perimeter of the foundation as they expand in diameter. This results in a soil that can shift to fill the void. Is it fractured and mixed with soil,or is it a solid layer and to what depth? Cutting down trees should only be a last solution to a potential root problem. Thus, a tree with a height of 50 feet, could have roots that grow outward 150 feet from the trunk. Tree root growth can put pressure against your home’s foundation and cause the exterior symptoms to appear on your home. Structural engineers and foundation experts state that there are two types of foundation owners, those who have had foundation problems and those who will. Prevent Problems with Trees and Tree Roots with LRE Foundation Repair Before your tree roots cause any major foundation damage, contact the experts at LRE Foundation Repair We’ll provide … Trees located close to or under your home’s foundation can leech excessive amounts of moisture from the soil, causing the soil to shrink. By causing air gaps and shifting soil due to decaying roots under or near a foundation (when a tree dies or is removed). Some large species need a little more room while smaller species can be a bit closer. All plants need water, oxygen, and nutrients. Arborilogical Services shares information and news about trees, tree maintenance and tree industry news. Trees can cause problems for nearby foundations in three primary ways: 1. Okay maybe not quite, but this swelling can cause the soil to uplift, sometimes to a greater volume than when the property was built, leading to displacement of the foundations. The type of foundation is important because, as a general rule, a pier-and-beam foundation can tolerate nearby trees better than a slab. Even the best foundation, built under ideal conditions, can have difficulty if it is not properly maintained. By causing air gaps and shifting soil due to decaying roots under or near a foundation (when a tree dies or is removed) An unbiased opinion of the standards utilized and the quality of construction on a project is crucial. 98% of the homes in the United States have foundations constructed out of concrete, masonry blocks or brick, all of which tend to crack when there is … Does water stand near your foundation, or does it drain away? Problem: Moisture builds up. But in fact, trees can do a lot more damage than you probably realize — even in the absence of falling debris. Since a pier-and-beam foundation gains its support from piers rather than just concrete on top of soil,they can more readily sustain minor pressure from nearby trees. Obtain other opinions from numerous consultants in relative fields. Do you know the soil type that exists under the foundation? Check for records available from city hall, the builder/developer or others that may have been involved with the site. What affects the amount of heave following tree removal? Correction of foundation and structural problems can be very costly and occasionally foundation cracks will be a warning sign of other structural issues with a home. If the tree is 30 feet away,physical contact is still possible,but not as likely to exert much pressure against the foundation. If the soil is black clay, the high shrink/swell potential can be a factor.The black clay soil in our area shrinks when it is dry, and expands when it is wet. The issues are not always black and white. When there is physical contact between a tree and a foundation, the damage, if any, may vary gre… Get a Quote The extensive root systems mentioned above do offer important benefits, including: But in order to optimize these benefits, you must be strategic about landscaping — both with new and old trees: Proper tree management can help add years to your foundation’s useful lifetime. Due to the variance of soil types and conditions at any single site, it is not possible to offer any one response to a problem. Tree root problems are not always solved by the removal of the tree, as the stump or remaining roots may continue to grow. Before removing any trees from your property, be sure to consult with a licensed foundation … This can cause several problems for neighbouring properties because they withdraw moisture from the soil, causing it to dry out. Since many trees and foundations have existed together for many years, any changes that occur do so over time and they can be minor,compared to the removal of the tree. Your home's foundation typically rests on a compacted soil area with surrounding plant life decorating the yard. Tree roots are one of the major reasons for foundation problems and may cause a foundation to crack, tilt or shift up and down. Arborilogical is the expert tree care company your trees deserve. If so, measure the depth. By affecting the moisture content of the soil under or near a foundation 3. The roots can extend outward beyond three times the height of the tree. The elevation of the home’s foundation was placed after the tree already had an effect on the soil. And more often than not, this interplay happens underground, completely out of sight. These are serious problems in and of themselves, but they also lead to faster-than-normal water absorption under and around your home. By affecting the moisture content of the soil under or near a foundation. If the tree is small and was planted after the home was built, cutting it down may be one of the several options. Cautiously consider any recommendation to remove a tree as the answer to foundation failure. Foundation experts, structural engineers, and others can provide their recommendations, but be aware that a conflict of interest may exist. Determine whether the soil type and soil profile were taken into account in planning and developing the area, or in the design of the foundation. The removal of trees altogether can leave significant rehydration problems in the soil. A Consulting Arborist will offer what he or she knows to be a fact, but at some point, advice or recommendations become a professional opinion based on experience,common sense,and research. Trees can cause problems for nearby foundations in three primary ways: 1. Rotting roots can accelerate destabilization and increase the likelihood of foundation failure. In some cases, a tree will offer benefits that help offset any foundation concerns such as the energy savings obtained or any of the many other benefits of trees. When trees are growing close to a foundation the opinion of a Consulting Arborist is often requested. That’s why you should take precautions. The goal of watering a foundation is to provide adequate and consistent soil moisture under and around a foundation at all times throughout the year. If a large shade tree is 5 feet from a foundation, physical contact and pressure exerted against the foundation is likely. Is there rock underneath? © 2020 Foundation Repair Services, Inc.. All rights reserved. When a foundation has a deficiency,many issues must be considered. For pine tree roots, removal depends on the size of the roots and the problem they are causing. But many times, this preventative measure exacerbates the issue. Consider the type of foundation,its design and the site conditions. Most homeowners give little thought to the trees in their front and back yards. Since many experts in different professions may also work for others in related fields, it is wise to ask if the person or company has had any relationship with others involved,or to hire firms from outside our area. There are many potential reasons for foundation problems, and the causes may vary greatly from site to site.The soil in your neighborhood may be one type, but area-wide the soil types could include clay, sand, sandy loam, rock, or a combination of these materials. If a large shade tree, that is close to a foundation is removed, more dramatic changes can occur to the soil and foundation than if the tree was left alone, in most cases. Foundation problems can and do result, however, from what tree roots are doing in the first place—sucking up water. Any large tree with vigorous growth has the potential to cause subsidence damage if it is close enough to a house. Determine if the builder made adjustments to the soil profile before pouring the foundation. Determine what existed on the site before it was developed. To ensure the tree roots won’t continue to grow, it might be. Trees can add to the problem but are usually not the primary cause of moisture loss from soil. It’s not uncommon for smaller roots to eat into the concrete walls of the foundation. Charlotte: 704-545-0206Hendersonville / Asheville: 828-274-2101South Carolina: 803-802-2477 sales. Tree removal costs can vary greatly, depending on the size and location of the tree. It’s always best to prevent these types of concerns by being proactive. This can form a barrier against your foundation, … Maturity of the tree; Permeability of the soil; Availability of free water Is the soil level below the bottom of the foundation or above the brick or exterior material? 3. © 2020 Arborilogical Services, Inc - All rights reserved, City of Dallas Urban Forest Advisory Committee. Trees “transpire” or release water into the air in the form of vapor. If so, what type of rock? Poor workmanship or inattention to the circumstances by any person or group that is involved must be investigated. They can also help protect your home in surprising ways. Soil diversity can result in a large local plant palette, which is great for plant enthusiasts but not always great for foundations. The sooner you catch and correct problems, the cheaper future repairs will be. This is due in part to the extent of the root system involved with shade trees.Most trees have root systems contained within the top 4 to 5 feet of soil, with the absorbing roots in the top 12 inches. Trees more likely to cause problems than other have fine root structures longer than other species, such as poplars, willows, elms and oaks. Unless the soil around the house foundation is very dense and was properly compacted after the foundation was installed, tree roots can cause slumping and shifting of the soil as they draw out water. Generally, trees should sit about 15 feet away from a house. Experts can include Soil Scientists, foundation repair companies, Hydrologists, Structural Engineers and Consulting Arborists. Seldom is a tree solely at fault. Trees can cause problems for nearby foundations in three primary ways: 1. How Worried Should A Homeowner or Business Owner Be About Foundation Cracks? The subject of foundation deficiencies is broad, and it requires different areas of expertise. Sometimes this requires a discussion directed more toward the “whole picture”. Today, research shows that removal of the tree is not always the answer. Retaining Walls For Commercial Businesses, How to Conduct a Home Foundation Inspection. Find out more about how this website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience. By physical contact with the foundation2. Whether the roots are growing protruding the foundation, or the canopy is large enough to graze the house, that tree has grown too close to your home. Conceptually,a slab foundation is basically a“slab”of reinforced concrete poured on top of the soil. Trees often have vast root systems that spread out two to three times farther than the above-ground branch. Charlotte: 704-545-0206Hendersonville / Asheville: 828-274-2101South Carolina: 803-802-2477. Under-watering or over-watering for any length of time can cause problems,regardless of the soil type. Since water naturally moves through the soil from high moisture areas to low moisture areas, simply not watering at all can cause foundation problems regardless of nearby trees. Far more common, however, are issues like subsidence or uneven soil shifting resulting from root expansion. Left unchecked, the structural integrity of your home can become weaker with each passing year. If you have cause to believe that your foundation has been damaged by tree roots, contact HD Foundations for foundation repair service. Consulting Arborists usually have a basic knowledge of other professional fields, and vice versa. These are most readily available near the soil surface where precipitation infiltrates the soil and oxygen from the atmosphere diffuses into the porous soil. A pier-and-beam foundation is slightly less affected by soil type and moisture content, especially if the piers are resting on top of a rock layer. If you do plant them, measure to ensure the root system has adequate room to grow. Proper drainage and final grading near a foundation are important in avoiding future problems. While foundation damage can happen for a variety of reasons, trees can get blamed for some foundation problems. Soils are often noted by the experts as the primary factor in foundation problems. Gathering input from each specialist is wise but it can lead to differences of opinion and confusion. As the root system begins to rot and decay, air spaces and gaps occur in the soil to replace the roots. Large trees that are very close to your home can sometimes contribute to foundation damage as a result of extracting water from the soil around the building. Get foundation repair assistance Above ground, trees can cause other problems for homes when they get pummeled by severe storms, wind, or lightning. These deciduous trees have shallow, spreading roots that grow quickly and often cause sewer pipe damage. In many housing developments, the site is graded and leveled, removing or redistributing the topsoil (the good stufff or growing plants!). Before removing any trees from your property, be sure to consult with a licensed foundation expert. Most roots, therefore, especially the important, tiny, absorbing roots, proliferate near the soil surface. Depending on the species and maturity of the tree in question, there are a few distinctions and options to explore before considering tree removal as a definitive … Many trees self seed quite extensively and you may not even notice a sapling growing close to the house. Poplars, or trees in the Populus genus, can cause foundation damage. If you do not water around the foundation, research shows that roots will have a tendency to congregate and develop more rapidly under the foundation simply because of the increased amount of available moisture underneath. Determine if your site has any topsoil remaining. Deciding which remedy is best suited to a specific circumstance is sometimes a difficult task. The Consulting Arborist’s objective is to teach the property owner how the trees might affect foundations. Was it designed to last forever? When a foundation has movement it may cause damage as well as a number of problems with the home ranging from minor cracks up to structural failures, depending on how much movement occurs, … Their roots can extend for several feet and one large tree can remove about 100 gallons of water daily from the soil. By physical contact with the foundation. At the first sign of danger, call in a professional foundation expert ASAP. 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 … But even with a well-executed strategy, you’re not completely done. An expert can let you know if you should worry about how close that tree is to the house or if all is good. When there is physical contact between a tree and a foundation, the damage, if any, may vary greatly according to the species of tree, the site conditions, proximity to the foundation,the type of foundation,the portion of the tree contacting the foundation,and the tree’s size. Poor site planning and development can lead to foundation problems. By affecting the moisture content of the soil under or near a foundation3. 2. While that’s not a common problem, it can and does occur. upward movement of the foundations due to clay expansion rather than shrinkage) Tree roots are unlikely to directly penetrate sound footings Tree roots will proliferate where water is available, and this is what causes them to grow into drains. If trees are planted around a foundation when the house is constructed, the removal of water from the soil mass by the tree can cause foundation ‘settlement’. Tree Roots and Your Foundation. An analysis of your soil type and foundation status can also demonstrate that roots are not a major threat to your home. CONFIRM THE INVOLVEMENT OF TREE ROOTS FIRST Before any tree is cut down, the presence of tree roots at the base of the foundation … Consequence: That excess moisture … Common Foundation Problems In Asheville, NC, Foundation Repair For Builders: Why Soil Matters, Foundation Repairs: Why to Do Them Sooner Rather Than Later. Pay A Bill. Tree Roots and Foundation Problems Tree roots can pose problems for foundations. In some cases, the professional opinions may be based on conflicting or outdated research. A single tree can pull about 100 gallons of water from the soil daily. This article explains how trees can both positively and negatively affect the foundation of your home. If it is a small tree and it is very close to the foundation, cutting it down now before it gets big may be a good course of … There are other foundation types, but the important question to ask is: “What type of foundation has been installed and is it suitable to the site conditions?”. If disaster does strike (like falling branches), these homeowners are usually covered by insurance. Besides sucking moisture out of the soil, tree roots can also put pressure against your foundation and cause problems. If you happen to have one of the aforementioned trees or plants in your yard and it is near your home, consider removing it as soon as … How do you know if a tree is too close to a house’s foundation? Some large trees can pull as much as 150 gallons each day through their roots. deciduous tree can remove in excess of 50,000 litres per year. When trees have died or have been removed, the roots that remain under or near a foundation can create problems. How to Remove a Tree Root From a Foundation. If your foundation is built on expansive soils, the high clay content will become densely packed as the tree roots grow. A list of questions to ask or issues to consider would include the following: Consider the planning and development and the history of the site beginning as far back in time as records will allow. Published February 1, 2017 By ARBORILOGICAL SERVICES. Experts agree that these practices directly affect the integrity and life expectancy of a foundation BEFORE being installed. Consideration must be given to the full, long term effect of removing an existing tree near a foundation. With an increasing number of area foundations being poured and the increasing age of existing area foundations, a rise in future deficiencies will likely occur. A pier-and-beam foundation contains “piers”, or pillars, of reinforced concrete with beams of various materials stretched across the top of the piers (normally a beam of iron and/or concrete). Shown below are photographs of a … Almost everything has a life expectancy, including concrete. Consequence: Roots might grow up through the mulch in search of air. A slab foundation is more readily affected by the soil under and around it as well as the soil moisture content. Our area has foundations that are fifty years old or more with few problems and some with problems only a few years after construction. Foundation damage can occur from subsoil shrinkage during drought in the total absence of roots. Root systems are vital to the health and longevity of trees. Avoid Planting Trees with an Invasive Root System. In rare cases tree removal on such soils can lead to heave (i.e. By physical contact with the foundation 2. Many years ago, foundation professionals would see a larger shade tree that is close to the house and automatically recommend removal. From time to time, you should conduct periodic inspections to check the health of your home’s foundation. Does your lot drain correctly? They interfere with streets and sidewalks, sneak into septic lines and cause trip hazards. To prevent any potential plumbing, sewer or foundation problems, avoid placing these trees in your yard. and if so, was the soil compacted to industry standards? If your tree has limbs near your house, you are likely to have roots growing under or along your foundation. That can cause them to “girdle” or wrap around the trunk, which chokes the tree by cutting off its water supply. Where trees have been recently removed, foundation depths should still be designed to suit the height of the tree (see diagrams on p45). The water for transpiration must come from the soil by way of the roots.This is why trees are known to “pull” water from under a foundation, but only when water in the surrounding soil is inadequate or unavailable. Many times, trees are identified as the cause of foundation deficiencies by one or more consulting professionals, and removal of the plant is recommended. Since North Central Texas has experienced drought conditions in previous years, many homeowners who did not adequately water may now have foundation issues. The tree species is important because a larger, older, longer-lived, shade tree is a greater concern than a smaller, younger, shorter-lived ornamental tree or shrub. Sandy soils shrink and swell a smaller amount and do not retain water like clay soils.When a foundation site contains a mixture of clay,sand,sandy loam,or rock,it becomes more difficult to predict how the soil will react.Most soil types, and soil mixes can adequately support a foundation if they are properly planned, designed, built, and MAINTAINED! By examining all of the related issues, arborists, foundation experts,and others can determine if trees are a problem or a contributor to a problem. North Texas property owners who have researched their property’s development have sometimes found that the property was a construction debris dumpsite,a filled floodplain, or a covered natural spring. The majority of a large tree’s roots are in the uppe… It’s important to select trees … City arborists are receiving calls to remove trees circumstantially blamed for the damage. Quality issues apply to every person involved in the construction process from the builder/developer to the structural engineer and even the city officials that inspect and approve of the construction practices. There is no easy way to remove all of the roots when you remove a tree; the rotting remains of the roots left behind can destabilize the soil even faster, leading to more potential foundation trouble. A large shade tree can transpire as much as 200 gallons of water per day. Trees can affect the moisture content of soil under and around foundations. Trees should never be planted close to the house, especially larger trees. While it is a sapling it won't cause a problem, but some trees can grow very quickly. But many times, this preventative measure exacerbates the issue. And it’s not only their height that can cause a problem. However, being informed and knowing what to ask, can lead to the correct solution. 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