Everyone knows that landscaping is one of the most important factors when attempting to sell a home or to keep the HOA happy. But when you go about putting in those amazing flowers, shrubs, or trees you might need to double check how this will affect your foundation.
Trees are an amazing flora, but the root systems they create are vast. The average rule of thumb is that a tree’s roots are usually 2-3 times the radius of the canopy. And with this large amount of roots being mostly in the upper 60cm of the soil, we can quickly run into trouble.
Specific Tree Types To Avoid Near Your Foundation
The biggest offender of foundation damage in Texas:
- Oaks
- Poplar
- Sycamore
- Ash
- Wollow
- Magnolia
Most of the trees listed above are loved for the amount of shade they provide as well as how pretty they look year round. But with these beautiful trees come a vast root system that is stronger and heartier.
What Is The Distance Trees Should Be Planted Away From The Foundation?
Finding the right distance for planting your trees is based on the average full grown size of the tree itself.
- Large Trees: Trees that reach 70 feet tall or more should be placed no closer than 20 feet from the base of your home.
- Medium Trees: Trees that reach under 70 feet tall can be placed within 15 feet of the foundation
- Smaller Trees: Anything that stays under 30 feet tall should be safe to plant as close as 8 feet, but most recommend 10 feet, from your foundation.
How Tree Roots Can Damage Your Foundation
When you think of root damage, you end up envisioning roots bursting through the brick and concrete to invade the spaces inside. Though it’s not totally impossible, this is not what specialists mean when they bring up ‘root damage’. Tree roots will always look for the path of least resistance to grow. This means when they run up against your foundation, they will turn a different direction and attempt to grow.
What takes place when roots do this is that the soil begins to shift and move as the roots search for nutrients. With the shifting of soil, the foundation begins to move. Whether it’s a slab or pier and beam foundation, shifting soil means shifting of weight on the backbone of your home, causing sinking and leaving a larger window for water damage.
Foundation Leveling In Fort Worth
Take a quick look outside and make note of the trees around your home. Many wont pose a problem, but a few of those older ones have a decent chance of causing soil to shift and inadvertently affecting your foundation. Luckily, Discount Foundation repair of North East Texas has over 25 years of experience in repair. From root barriers to French drains, we can help you keep your home safe and sound. If you suspect that there may already be damage, give us a call for a free homeowners inspection. We will do whatever we can to help your family stay safe at a price that’s affordable.
