SUMMARY:
Homeowners with trees on their property may notice bulges and cracks appearing in their concrete surfaces, such as sidewalks and driveways, due to the growth of tree roots underneath the surface. Even more seriously, tree root growth can threaten to negatively impact the basement walls or foundation of a house. Addressing these issues, however, is rarely a simple matter. The certified arborists at Connor Tree Service can help homeowners assess their individual situation and devise the most appropriate response to protect both infrastructure on the property and the health of the trees themselves.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
One of the complications of maintaining landscaping and trees in close proximity to buildings is the tendency of root systems to intrude on human-built infrastructure. Few homeowners are fully aware of the extent to which tree root systems spread below the surface, and if trees are planted too close to sidewalks, driveways, or the foundations of buildings, they can cause severe damage over time.
Homeowners who are in the process of planning their landscaping and planting new trees can avoid these issues by consulting with certified arborists to determine the best tree species and planting locations ahead of time. Some trees, for instance, have much larger and faster-growing root systems than others and are not ideal in close proximity to buildings, pipes, or concrete surfaces.
More commonly, property owners discover that long-established trees are causing concrete to crack, or even threatening to disrupt the foundation of their home. While the correct response may initially seem to be simply cut back the roots causing the issue, an experienced, knowledgeable Charleston tree company like Connor Tree Service can assess the situation and suggest alternative solutions that may be better in the long run for the property overall.
Aggressively cutting into the root system of a tree can stunt its growth or even kill it, leading to larger problems in the future if the limbs or even the entirety of the tree become vulnerable to falling during severe weather. There may be options to keep the majority of the tree’s root system intact while also protecting the foundation of your home. A root barrier is one option, redirecting root growth away from your home without harming the tree’s ability to gather nutrients from the soil.
While roots can break concrete surfaces like sidewalks more easily than many people expect, an important fact to remember is that when it comes to foundation damage, the primary issue is not tree roots themselves, but rather the disturbance of soil that can then cause the structure’s base to shift. The first step toward resolving this problem is consulting with certified arborists and other professional service providers to identify exactly what is causing damage and how serious the problem is.
For inspection of tree root systems, the health of the trees on the property, or removal of dead trees, commercial and residential property owners in the greater Charleston area can call Connor Tree Service at 843-810-8522 or visit them online at www.connortreeservice.com.