Does It Get Damaged If There Are Plant Roots On The Outside Wall Of The Basement?

Plant roots can cause significant damage to basement walls, particularly concrete block walls, by seeking water and nutrients. If left untreated, they can lead to cracks or damage to the protective coating. Tree roots are a common cause of basement wall damage, and if left untreated, they can result in costly repairs.

Roots are not likely to break-through an intact house foundation or exterior wall, as they grow where the soil is loose enough for them to grow. When tree roots come into contact with the foundation, they can exert pressure, causing it to crack or shift over time. This can lead to costly repairs. Some plants have suckers on their branches that grip to the wall very firmly, resulting in damage to the mortar on pointed brickwork and rendered surfaces on rendered surfaces.

To prevent structural damage, it is essential to check for cracks on walls and floors. Tree roots can create pressure on the foundation and walls of your home, leading to cracking or bulging. If you notice any cracks in the floors or walls inside your house, it is important to address these issues.

Tree roots can cause structural damage to your home depending on the proximity and type of tree. They can cause cracks, widen the foundation, push the wall, and bow against the foundation walls, compromising your home’s structural stability. Tree roots can also extend beneath retaining walls, causing structural instability.

In some cases, tree roots may loosen the soil supporting the foundation, grow into and clog exterior drain tiles, and crack or dislodge waterproof coatings applied to foundation walls. Some people argue that roots drink water from clay, causing it to shrink and creating cracks in foundation walls that are no longer supported by the soil.

Should you cover exposed roots?

Damage to tree roots can significantly impact their health. To protect them, apply a shallow layer of topsoil around and over exposed roots, covering them by about a half inch. Avoid applying too much soil, as it can suffocate the roots and cause damage or death. Over time, as roots grow thicker, another thin layer of soil may be needed. For areas with surface tree roots, eliminate grass and cover with mulch, such as shredded wood. Plant groundcover or perennials in a mulched bed, ensuring the roots are not damaged and using hand-digged small planting pockets instead of using a rototiller.

Does soil damage concrete?

Insufficient caulking of cracks or joints in concrete slabs can lead to water washing away the soil supporting the slab, causing unevenness and allowing the concrete to drop down. Burrowing animals like chipmunks, moles, and woodchucks create voids under concrete slabs, loosening the existing soil and causing the concrete to settle over time. Over time, this loosened soil must be compacted back down, causing the concrete to settle with it.

Do plants damage concrete?

Concrete sidewalks can be cracked by plants and weeds, who exploit existing cracks for exposure. Tree roots can exploit this, causing the damage to worsen, making the sidewalk uneven and unsafe for walking. Roots grow to support the life of plants or trees, and when near a sidewalk, they are likely underneath the surface. As they expand, they continue to grow underneath the concrete, causing sidewalk cracks to worsen.

This not only affects the sidewalk but also the foundation, as concrete cracks can cause soil shift, leading to worse cracking and uneven surfaces. Therefore, immediate intervention is necessary to repair tree root and foundation issues.

Can roots damage a house?

Tree roots can cause damage to a house’s foundation due to their opportunistic nature, which allows them to grow and penetrate areas where they are easiest to grow, such as friable soils and mulch. When roots encounter solid, impervious surfaces like pipes, sidewalks, curbs, and foundations, they are typically redirected laterally or up and over. However, if there is a breach or crack nearby, they can exploit those voids in search of moisture. For example, sewer pipes are not damaged by the roots, but they are capable of finding these leaks and moving into the moist and often nutrient-rich pipe.

A certified arborist may use an Air Knife to expose the roots near the foundation to determine if the roots are causing damage or need to be pruned. Before spending $500 for the Air Knife, it is important to consider the potential risks and benefits of tree roots on a home’s foundation.

Are exposed roots bad?

Trees with weakly anchored roots can fall, posing a significant risk to people and structures on property. Exposed roots can be more likely to fall in extreme weather conditions like high winds or heavy snowfall, and on powerlines, leading to fires, electrocution, and even death. To address exposed tree roots, various methods can be used, depending on the type of tree, its location, and whether it presents a safety or property hazard. One method is to cover exposed roots with a thin layer of mulch, but apply it carefully to avoid root rot. This method should be used carefully to prevent potential hazards.

What happens if your roots are exposed?

Tooth roots exposed too far for easy fix may require extensive dental treatment, such as crowns or gum grafting, to protect the affected tooth. Failure to receive treatment can lead to tooth loss, pain, and increased gum disease risk. Sensitivity to teeth can also indicate an exposed tooth root. It’s crucial to consult a dentist when you notice early signs of gum receding. Root canals, gum grafts, and tooth extractions are serious procedures, but preventative measures can help maintain teeth health. Regular dental check-ups and preventative measures can help prevent tooth loss and gum disease.

Which tree should not be planted close to a house?

Ash trees should not be planted near homes due to their extensive root structure and large tree canopies. Their roots can spread up to 30 feet and can break sewer lines, making them difficult to find reliable water sources. The size of their root structure and sprawl is similar to the size of their tree canopy, so planting them at least 30 feet away from homes is recommended. Ash trees are native to USDA zones 3-9 and can grow up to 40 feet tall.

Can roots break through concrete?

Tree roots can cause significant damage to concrete surfaces due to their greater energy and potential to push through the surface. This can lead to expensive damage and dangerous cracks in the slab. To address this issue, CNY Sealing in East Syracuse, NY can seal your driveway to treat cracks and prevent further intrusion from plant materials. Their special process and top-tier materials can extend the life of your driveway or other concrete surface, shutting out plant and tree roots.

How to cover exposed roots?

Exposed tree roots can pose a significant threat to your property, causing damage to lawn mower blades, sidewalks, and irrigation systems. To address this issue, it is recommended to add a layer of mulch, add ground cover (not grass), avoid adding more soil, avoid growing new grass, and avoid removing the exposed tree root. The Grounds Guys® experts offer advice on how to manage these exposed tree roots, focusing on reducing the risks of damage and improving their appearance. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Add a layer of mulch to the area where the tree roots are growing.
2. Add ground cover, but not grass, to the area where the tree roots are growing.
3. Avoid adding more soil, grow new grass, and don’t remove the exposed tree root.

In summary, managing exposed tree roots is crucial for maintaining a healthy and visually appealing landscape.

How close to a wall can you plant a tree?

Planting a tree next to a wall, especially south-facing ones, can provide a sheltered and warm microclimate that favors some fruit trees, especially if trained against the wall as a fan or espalier. Wall-trained trees should be planted at least 20cm (8 inches) from the wall to allow for radial growth of the trunk. To minimize root problems, dig a planting hole 20cm-40cm away from the wall, lean the young tree into the wall, prune the roots on the wall side, and protect the back of the planting hole with paving slabs.

Semi-vigorous fruit trees should be capable of growing 3m-4m across and 2m-3m high. If in doubt, consult a professional arboriculturalist or consult the book The A-Z of tree terms: A companion to British arboricuture.

Will tree roots damage foundation?

Tree roots can damage a foundation if planted too close to a home, as their root systems “drink” water from the soil, drying it out and creating voids under the foundation. If the home sinks into these voids, it can lead to expensive foundation repairs. The interaction between soil and tree roots is crucial, as tree roots extend through the soil to seek nutrients and water. The type of soil affected by root movement depends on the soil type.

For example, dense clay-rich soil will compact as roots push through it, while clay-rich soil will dry up and shrink during dry weather. When rain returns, clay-rich soil absorbs moisture and expands, allowing tree roots to absorb it again, causing the foundation to deteriorate.