Can Trees Damage Your Foundation?

The trees in your yard are more than just obstacles to maneuver around while mowing. Trees that are planted too close to your home can cost you thousands of dollars in foundation damage.
There are steps you can take to prevent this kind of costly tree root damage. It’s just a matter of finding the balance between successful tree growth and a safe foundation.
How Tree Roots Damage Your Foundation
Tree roots are more expansive than you might think. On average, root systems grow to the same size as their canopies, if not larger. If you’ve planted a tree too close to the perimeter of your home, you may rapidly find yourself dealing with unexpected root damage.
The term “root damage,” however, is a little misleading. Tree roots don’t actually dig into the materials that make up your foundation. Instead, they cause the soil around your home to shift as they grow. As your soil shifts, it will leave behind gaps that your foundation can begin to sink into. With that sinking and settlement comes an increased risk of cracks and water damage.
4 Tips to Protect Your Home from Tree Roots
You can take these 4 steps to keep tree roots from damaging your home.
1. Choose Trees Wisely
If you can, talk to your local nursery about which trees best suit your property. Some trees have more aggressive root systems than others. Work with a professional to pick out foliage that is pleasing without putting your foundation at risk.
2. Transplant Larger Trees
If there are large trees within 20 feet of your home, don’t panic. Work with professionals in your area to transplant these trees or otherwise remove them from your property. Transplanting a tree will take time, and you’ll need to kill any root systems that remain, but the work allows you to maintain the beauty of an existing tree.
3. Test Your Foundation Depth
Older homes can have shallower foundations than newer homes, which puts them at greater risk for foundation damage. If you want to determine the depth of your foundation, reach out to a contractor for a home inspection.
4. Waterproofing Your Foundation
Invest in home waterproofing measures. While they won’t redirect roots away from your home, they can help compensate for the shifting soil near your foundation. This way, your foundation will be less likely to settle, and you can divert any hydrostatic pressure that might put your structural supports at risk.
Trees to Avoid Planting Near Your Yard

There are some types of trees that have more aggressive root systems than others. While the roots won’t directly attack your home, they can become a problem if you plant them too close to your foundation.
Trees you’ll want to keep further away from your home or otherwise avoid planting altogether include:
- American elms
- Willow trees
- Hybrid poplars
- Silver maples
Luckily, none of these trees share a genus. That means if you want to plant another type of elm or willow, for example, you can talk to your local nursery to see if a less invasive species is in stock.
You will, however, want to plant all trees at least 20 feet away from the perimeter of your home, regardless of how invasive their root systems may be. This way, your trees will have the space they need to grow without disrupting the structure of the soil around your foundation.
Protect Your Home with Mount Valley Foundation Services
If you’re concerned that tree roots may have compromised the integrity of your foundation, Mount Valley Foundation Services can help.
Equipped with cutting-edge foundation repair products and outstanding customer service, we ensure your foundation is stable for years to come.
Don’t let tree root damage threaten the stability of your home. Choose the expertise of Mount Valley Foundation Services for peace of mind.
Schedule a free inspection today.
FAQs
As a general rule, trees should be planted at a distance at least equal to their mature height from your home.
Signs include visible cracks in the foundation, uneven floors, doors and windows that stick, and gaps around exterior walls.
Pruning can help, but it must be done carefully to avoid harming the tree; consulting an arborist is advisable.
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