Out of sight, out of mind. That’s the approach most homeowners take when it comes to their trees’ roots. However, what’s happening beneath the surface could be placing your home’s foundation at great risk.
Your tree’s roots spread far and wide in search of nutrients and water. Sometimes, that search could bring them too close to your home’s foundation. This is why it’s vital to learn how to stop roots from growing into the foundation.
How Roots Damage Your Foundation
Considering how solid your home’s foundation is, you might believe it to be strong enough to withstand invasive roots. This isn’t always the case, though.
If you’re not vigilant, you could find yourself dealing with:
- Cracked flooring and walls
- Buckled ground
- Sudden and unexplainable plumbing issues
- Slanted foundation
Invasive roots affect your home’s foundation in two major ways. The first is direct physical pressure, which happens when your tree’s major root gets under a slab or footing and physically lifts or cracks the concrete.
The second and more common way is soil desiccation. The soil your foundation sits on is full of moisture. If roots suck up all that moisture, they’ll create empty pockets and cause your home’s foundation to sink.
Preventing Tree Roots From Damaging Your Foundation
You shouldn’t wait for worrying signs before taking action. Your best bet is to protect your foundation from tree roots. Thankfully, there are several solutions you can turn to.
Set Up a Root Barrier
One way to control invasive tree roots is to install a physical barrier between your home and the roots. This barrier is usually made of metal or plastic and does a great job at redirecting tree roots, forcing them away from your home’s foundation.
Use Chemical Inhibitors
When learning how to stop roots from growing into the foundation, you’re bound to come across chemical inhibitors. These are substances you can apply around your home’s foundation to deter roots from growing in that area.
Trim the Roots
Scheduling professional tree services in Louisville, KY, can also help. If your tree is growing close to your home, you can have a certified arborist trim its roots to limit how far they reach.
Water the Tree
Watering your tree regularly can stop tree roots from growing near your house. Remember that roots are constantly searching for moisture. Therefore, if you keep the tree properly hydrated, especially during Louisville’s drier months, its roots won’t have to spread close to your foundation.
Remove the Tree
If managing roots around your home’s foundation proves difficult, you might need to remove the tree entirely. As drastic as this measure is, it is a surefire way of preserving your home against damage.
What’s more, doing so will give you another chance to plant a less invasive tree species at a much safer distance.
Consulting a Certified Arborist
It’s hard to know what protective measure to pick without first getting an accurate picture of the situation. This is where seeking expert assistance comes in.
A certified arborist will have the knowledge and experience to evaluate your situation and provide proper guidance on how to proceed. Whatever solution they recommend, you can rest easy knowing that it will guarantee the utmost protection, not just for your home’s foundation but for your tree as well.
Schedule Your In-Person Consultation Today
Do you want to know how to stop roots from growing into the foundation? New Leaf Tree Service is here to offer the guidance you need. From helping you understand root collar excavation to implementing the right protective measures, you’re in good hands with us.
Talk to us today at (502) 419-9899.