Tree Roots and Your Foundation: What Homeowners Should Know

We like to think of trees as majestic givers offering shade on a blazing Georgia afternoon, adding character to a property, and even producing fresh fruit given the right season. But as generous as trees can be, they also have a wilder side.

Beneath the soil, their root systems are constantly searching for water, nutrients, and stability. If those roots wander too close to your home, they can threaten the integrity of your foundation. That’s why homeowners ought to beware.

In this brief article brought to you by Driscoll Tree Service, we want to help you understand how tree roots behave, how foundations react, and how to manage both safely is a must for every Georgia homeowner.

Let’s Bust a Common Myth

There’s a common misconception that tree roots are strong enough to crack through solid concrete. The truth is a bit more nuanced.

Roots don’t break through healthy intact foundations per se. Instead, they take advantage of existing weaknesses. If there are small cracks, gaps, or areas where moisture collects, then roots will grow into those openings because they’re drawn to water and oxygen.

Over time, as roots expand in diameter, they can widen cracks and displace surrounding soil. The result? Foundation settling, uneven floors, damaged walkways, or gaps between walls and floors.

The Big Issue: Soil Movement

In many Metro Atlanta neighborhoods, we have soil with a blend of clay and loam. Clay soil expands when wet and contracts when dry – a cycle that already puts stress on foundations.

Tree roots intensify this natural movement because they pull large amounts of water from the ground.

When a large oak or maple consumes hundreds of gallons of water a day, the soil around it may shrink or shift more drastically. This often leads to foundation settlement.

On the other hand, if a tree is removed but the roots are left to decompose, then that underground void can lead to sinking soil and foundation dips.

Trees That Pose the Greatest Risk

It’s no secret that trees come in many types, shapes, and sizes. Some species spread their roots wide and shallow, while others grow deep and compact. The worst offenders near foundations are usually those with aggressive lateral roots.

Common high-risk trees in Georgia include:

• Silver maple
• Willow
• Poplar
• Sweetgum
• Large oaks

This is not an exhaustive list. Even fruit trees aren't innocent, for example. Fig trees, despite their moderate size, have incredibly invasive root systems that can cause significant foundation problems.

Warning Signs Your Tree Roots Are Becoming a Problem