We all love to live under the shade of Mother Nature. A little green around the house is always welcome, which is why we love to landscape our Ottawa homes with vibrant flowers, lush grass, and stately trees. But did you know that trees around your house can cause big damage to your foundation? Yes, it’s true. Let’s explore the effect that trees on your property can have on your foundation, and what you can do to prevent damage.
The visible parts of the tree can cause other problems – falling branches can damage the roof, leaves can clog gutters, and leaves in the fall are just a headache to rake all the time. But when we’re talking about the foundation, the leaves and branches are not a problem (with the exception of clogged gutters leading to water leaks, but that’s a topic for another day). It is the root system of the trees that can cause damage.
When there is little rainfall, the roots will soak up all the moisture from the soil to keep alive. Dry soil contracts and can cause your foundation to shift and settle, leading to cracks. If the root system of a tree touches your foundation, it can exert immense pressure which will also eventually lead to cracks.
If there is a tree near your house and it is interfering with foundation, then you will have to consider chopping it down. There’s good news if your tree is a safe distance away – as long as you continue to prune the branches, the tree will stay a consistent size. Therefore the root system will stay roughly the same size over the years as well and won’t expand toward your home’s foundation.
In case you have a green thumb and dream of making a house amidst trees, then you have to be careful. If you are planting them yourself then be sure to plant them at a distance. The tree could be looking small on the outside but you can be sure that its root system will spread wide below the ground. Maintaining distance is your safest bet. The tree root system will not interfere with the foundation of your house and the presence of it will fill your heart with joy. The same logic applies to shrubs and other landscaping.
To sum it up, plant new trees at a distance and keep an eye on old ones. The root system of the trees should not interfere with the foundation of the house. This is the only disadvantage of having trees on your property. Other than that, they are an inexpensive addition of paramount beauty. The nature lover in me says go ahead but as the writer of this article, keep a close eye on that beautiful thing.
If a tree on your property has caused foundation damage, City Residential Foundation Repair can help with all your foundation crack repair and basement waterproofing needs. Give us a call at 613-859-9387 to request an appointment.
Do you experience regular flooding or live in an area where the water level is above the property’s foundation? Then you need a sump pump in your basement. What’s a sump pump? It’s a pumping system that removes water that gathers around the foundation of your home and pushes it back away from it. It …
Have you been noticing a damp, musty type of smell lingering in your home lately? This could be a sign of mould. Mould usually thrives in places where moisture is present and where there isn’t a lot of airflow. But beyond the unappealing odour, it can also impact the health of you and your family. …
It’s that time of year again — flood season. With all the rain that’s expected during the summertime, it’s not uncommon for people to experience floods. But do you know what to do when you find an unexpected pool of water in your basement? Here are 10 steps you need to take whenever you discover …
Reviews