Tree Root System Impact on Concrete and Foundation, Part 2

In part one of this multi-part blog series, we went over some of the basics on how trees and their extensive root systems on your property may impact your concrete surfaces and home foundation. While tree roots themselves may not directly cause foundation and concrete damage, they are significant underlying causes of these issues due to the way they impact nearby soil that sits below such surfaces.

At Lift Right Concrete, we’re here to provide a wide range of residential and commercial concrete lifting and leveling services, including to those with concrete surfaces or foundations damaged by tree roots and their resulting moisture issues. In today’s part two of our series, we’re going to focus on one lesser-known area of tree root impact on homes and foundations: The positive role they may play. Here are some benefits properly-situated trees offer in this realm, plus how to properly ride this fence so you don’t risk root-related problems.

Water Drainage Themes

Depending on your location, the location of the trees and the slope (or non-slope) of your property, there are many situations where tree root systems play a big role in helping soak up extra moisture. Perhaps your yard has a couple areas that are improperly sloped and see pooling water issues when it rains – a few well-placed trees in this area will help soak up this moisture.

This benefits concrete surfaces and foundations in many cases, as well. Instead of standing water seeping around the yard and even creeping into concrete areas or the foundation, it will be sucked up by the well-placed trees on the property.

Stabilization and Erosion Prevention

Another major benefit of well-placed trees comes on properties that have specific sloping, especially on areas surrounding the home or building. By sucking up moisture in these areas, trees and their roots prevent erosion from taking place, a significant factor that can impact the entire property.

Tips for Positive Root Interactions

A couple basic tips on ensuring your tree root systems are making a positive impact on your property and foundation rather than a negative one:

• Install a root barrier for any roots that are in close proximity to the house and may risk stealing moisture from the soil beneath your concrete surfaces or foundation.
• Plan for major distance between newly planted trees. Do your research on the required distance for a given tree species you’re considering planting – if the info you find only lists the tree’s height, multiply this number by three and that’s roughly the root circumference you should plan for.

For more on avoiding negative tree root interactions with your foundation or concrete surfaces, or to learn more about any of our concrete lifting and leveling services, speak to the staff at Lift Right Concrete today.