Overview

Tree roots search for water, spread underground, and help trees grow tall and strong, but when roots grow unchecked, they can create serious problems for sidewalks, driveways, plumbing systems, and even your home’s foundation. In this blog post, Adam's Tree Service explains how tree roots become invasive, what warning signs to watch for, and what professional arborists can do to manage root-related damage before it gets worse.

Highlights

Introduction

Most people don’t think about what’s happening underground when they look at a tree. We notice the canopy, the bark, and the leaves changing color with the seasons. But beneath the soil, roots are hard at work spreading out in every direction. Sometimes, they end up growing into places they shouldn’t. If left unchecked, tree roots can push through concrete, disrupt underground pipes, and weaken your home’s structural base.

In this blog post, Adam's Tree Service explains how tree roots behave and what property owners can do to catch root-related problems early. We’ll also share expert solutions that arborists use to protect trees and prevent damage from spreading.

Call (817) 357-2931 if you think roots might be causing issues on your property.

How Do Tree Roots Grow and Why Do They Spread?

Tree roots grow outward, not downward. In fact, the vast majority of a tree’s roots stay within the top 18 inches of soil, spreading out horizontally two to three times the width of the canopy. That’s where they find oxygen, moisture, and nutrients.

Roots grow toward water, which means they’ll head straight for leaking pipes, cracked foundations, or poorly drained soil. Some species, like willows, poplars, and silver maples, are known for having especially aggressive roots. These trees are more likely to invade sewer lines or push up pavement in search of moisture.

Even smaller ornamental trees can cause trouble if planted too close to structures. Once roots find a pathway, they’ll continue to expand and strengthen until something stops them or they run out of resources.

What Are Signs That Roots Are Damaging Your Property?

Unlike a fallen branch or visible trunk damage, root-related problems often start out subtle. That said, the signs are usually there. You just have to know what to look for.

Here are common indicators that tree roots might be causing structural or surface issues:

  • Cracked or lifted sidewalks, driveways, or patios
  • Foundation cracks or uneven flooring inside your home
  • Sudden dips or sinkholes in your yard
  • Persistent drainage problems near mature trees
  • A noticeable lean in the tree itself

You may also notice slower water flow or frequent clogs in your plumbing system. These are sometimes caused by tree roots growing inside sewer lines and restricting movement. If left untreated, these signs can turn into serious hazards, both for your safety and your property’s value.

How Do Roots Interfere With Plumbing Systems?

Roots are naturally drawn to underground pipes because of the moisture they release. Even a hairline crack or loose joint in your sewer line can attract roots. Once inside, they begin to grow, forming thick mats that block water flow and trap debris.

This can lead to:

  • Slow drains throughout your home
  • Backups or overflows, especially during heavy rain
  • Wet patches in your yard that never dry out
  • Unpleasant odors near drains or outdoors

If left untreated, roots can eventually break apart the pipe, leading to costly repairs or full replacements. Older clay or cast iron pipes are especially vulnerable, but even newer materials can develop weak spots that attract invasive roots.

What Happens When Roots Reach Your Foundation?

Tree roots don’t need to punch through solid concrete to cause trouble. Their real impact comes from the way they shift and dry out the soil beneath your home, creating movement that threatens the stability of your foundation.

Soil Shifts

As roots draw water, the earth around them dries unevenly. This imbalance puts pressure on the foundation, often leading to settling or small cracks.

Clay Complications Happen

In clay-heavy soils, the problem gets worse. Clay naturally expands when wet and shrinks when dry, and root activity speeds up that cycle. Over time, this can push your foundation out of alignment, making doors stick, windows hard to close, floors slope, and cracks appear in your walls.

There Are Indirect but Serious Risks

While it’s rare for roots to force their way through reinforced concrete, they don’t need to in order to cause damage. By disturbing the soil around your home—and especially when drainage or grading issues are already present—roots can create enough movement to compromise your foundation’s integrity. Over time, even small shifts in soil moisture can lead to uneven settling that stresses your foundation slab or walls.

This stress often shows up as hairline cracks at first, but those cracks can widen as movement continues. If left unchecked, you may start noticing gaps around window frames, uneven flooring, or difficulty opening and closing doors. In severe cases, structural shifts can cause significant misalignment that is costly to repair.

The danger lies not in the roots themselves, but in the chain reaction they trigger underground. When roots compete for moisture, they dry out soil pockets in some areas while leaving others swollen with water. This imbalance creates an unstable base for your foundation, gradually wearing down the strength and stability of your entire home.

What Are Safe, Effective Ways To Control Invasive Roots?

When roots cause property damage, cutting them may seem like the obvious answer. But that can put the tree’s health at risk. Tree roots support the structure and supply water to the canopy. Removing the wrong ones can destabilize the tree or make it more susceptible to disease.

Professional arborists approach root management carefully. Here are a few methods they may use.

Root Pruning

This involves cutting select roots using specialized tools while preserving the overall health of the tree. Pruning is often done before construction or when roots are lifting pavement.

Root Barriers

These physical barriers are installed underground to redirect root growth away from structures, pipes, or walkways. They don’t stop roots from growing, but they guide them to safer zones.

Air Excavation

Instead of digging with shovels or machinery, arborists use compressed air tools to safely expose roots. This method allows for precise work without damaging the root system or surrounding soil.

Tree Removal

In cases where root damage is severe or ongoing, removal may be the only long-term solution. Arborists consider the tree’s species, age, health, and location before recommending removal.

Each property requires a different approach. That’s why assessments should always be handled by professionals who understand both tree biology and structural engineering.

When Is Tree Removal the Only Option?

Sometimes, a tree’s roots cause so much damage that no amount of pruning or barrier installation will solve the problem. In these cases, the safest course of action is to remove the tree and replace it with a less invasive species.

As many arborists will tell you, tree removal should always be a last resort. This might sound peculiar, since tree removal is a big part of their job. The reality is that arborists are invested in healthy ecosystems—and when it comes to the environment, more trees is always a good thing. When necessary, though, removal can prevent ongoing repairs and make space for smarter landscaping choices.

After removal, arborists can help you select trees that are better suited for your lot size and soil type. Smaller root systems, slower growth rates, and proper planting distances make a big difference over time.

Why Are Professional Arborists Essential in Root Management?

Managing tree roots isn’t something most homeowners can do safely on their own. Cutting roots without a plan can make things worse. It might compromise the tree’s stability or create more damage down the road. DIY solutions like root-killing chemicals or aggressive digging often backfire.

Certified arborists have the tools and knowledge to:

  • Diagnose the cause of property damage accurately
  • Evaluate the health and structure of the tree
  • Develop root management plans that balance tree health with property safety
  • Coordinate with other professionals, like plumbers or foundation experts, when needed

They also understand local regulations and permit requirements, which is especially important when working near sidewalks, streets, or utility lines.

How Do You Prevent Root Problems With Smart Tree Planting?

The best way to avoid root problems is to plan ahead. That starts with choosing the right tree for the right place.

When selecting new trees for your property, consider:

  • Mature height and width of the canopy
  • Expected root spread and growth habits
  • Proximity to foundations, walkways, pipes, and fences

Planting trees at least 10 to 20 feet away from your home or utility lines goes a long way in preventing foundation headaches down the road. If you’re adding new trees—especially fast-growing ones—consider installing root barriers at the same time to keep their growth in check. It’s also worth thinking about the soil itself, since compacted or poorly draining soil tends to push roots toward your house as they search for water and oxygen.

Call Adam's Tree Service for Expert Root Management and Tree Solutions

If you’re seeing signs of root damage or planning new landscaping, Adam's Tree Service can help. Our certified arborists provide honest assessments, expert recommendations, and long-term solutions to keep your trees healthy and your property safe.

Call (817) 357-2931 today to schedule a root inspection or learn more about our full range of tree care services.