Menu
Understanding Tree Root Damage and How to Prevent It
Understanding Tree Root Damage and How to Prevent It
Understanding Tree Root Damage and How to Prevent It

Trees play a crucial role in keeping landscapes aesthetically appealing and the environment healthy. While these magnificent entities…

4.9 RATING
4.7 RATING
4.6 RATING
Oct/15/ 2025
Understanding Tree Root Damage and How to Prevent It

Tree Roots and Your Property: What You Need to Know Before It’s a Problem

Trees play a crucial role in keeping landscapes aesthetically appealing and the environment healthy. While these magnificent entities offer many benefits, they can pose serious hazards in certain situations. Whether you have trees for curb appeal, shade, or a habitat for wildlife, when they grow too close to your home, it can become a problem. That’s where Southern Star Tree comes in as your trusted service provider. Our licensed and highly trained arborists can assess the severity of the problem and recommend effective solutions to keep your home and loved ones safe. Here’s what you need to know about tree roots and your property before it becomes a problem.

Common Types of Damage Caused by Tree Roots

As mentioned, tree roots growing on your property can pose serious risks, especially when they grow near underground utilities or near structures. With this in mind, working with a professional tree care company in Atlanta, GA can help you mitigate devastating scenarios and costly restorations in the future. Let’s explore some of the common types of damage caused by tree roots to help you make informed decisions.

Foundation Damage

One of the main concerns is when trees grow near or under a home’s foundation. Despite the numerous benefits they offer to your backyard and the environment, roots can grow and exert pressure on the foundation. Root damage is not instantaneous, but it can escalate into severe foundation cracks or shifting if left unattended. The best way to avoid structural issues is to take a proactive approach towards routine care. Hire a professional tree service provider to inspect, diagnose, and recommend the best solutions to protect your home without compromising curb appeal.

Plumbing Damage

Tree roots play a crucial role in growth and development, as they absorb water and vital nutrients. If a water or sewer line cracks underground, it can cause roots to infiltrate and grow inside your plumbing. Although root damage can take several weeks or months before you notice it, early intervention is crucial to prevent devastating scenarios. Roots can grow over time, causing leaks, blockages, and plumbing failures that are costly to fix. Not to mention, damaged water lines can allow contaminants into your supply and risk your family’s well-being.

Damage to Underground Utilities

Besides plumbing and foundation damage, tree roots can intertwine with underground utilities, such as electrical conduits, gas lines, and drainage systems. This poses serious safety hazards and leads to service disruptions that are expensive to restore. If you experience interruptions with your utilities, call a certified tree service and your utility company to effectively resolve the problem. In the case of severe damage or the risk of potential hazards in the future, a complete tree removal may be necessary to keep your home functioning as expected.

Factors Contributing to Tree Root Damage

Now that you know the common types of tree root damage, here are the contributing factors to ensure you maintain healthy trees and a safe home.

Tree Species and Root Depth

Did you know that some tree species have more invasive root systems that are likely to damage underground utilities and your home’s foundation? Before planting a tree on your property, consult a trusted tree service provider to ensure it is the right species for your area. If you detect signs of root damage on your infrastructure, it may be time for a full tree removal.

Soil Conditions

Soil not only anchors a tree firmly in the ground but also provides vital nutrients and water. If the soil is compacted, it can restrict the roots from growing properly and accessing these vital materials for growth. This usually leads to roots growing horizontally near the surface, increasing the likelihood of damage to nearby structures and compromising the tree’s stability.

Tree roots are flexible and strong, but if they grow without control, they can cause serious damage to your home’s plumbing, foundation, and landscape. Contact us at Southern Star Tree to maintain safe and healthy trees while protecting your property.