Trees add beauty and shade to your yard, but some can cause serious problems for your home. The roots of certain trees can grow large and strong enough to crack or damage your foundation, leading to costly repairs.
Knowing which trees can harm your foundation helps you protect your home and avoid unexpected expenses. This article will cover nine types of trees that are most likely to cause damage, so you can make better choices about what to plant near your house.
Cottonwood trees
Cottonwood trees grow fast, but their wood is weak. This means branches can break easily, especially in storms.
Their roots spread wide and can damage foundations, sidewalks, and pipes if they are planted too close to your home. If you already have a cottonwood near your house, keep an eye on root growth and any signs of damage around your property.
White poplar trees
If you plant white poplar trees near your home, be careful. Their roots spread out fast and can reach your foundation. This can cause cracks or other damage over time.
The roots also like to grow into pipes. This might lead to blockages or leaks in your sewage system. So, it’s best to keep these trees a good distance from your house and underground pipes.
Carolina poplar trees
Carolina poplar trees have roots that spread wide and deep. If you plant one too close to your house, the roots can reach your foundation.
These roots look for water and can cause cracks or damage. You might also see issues with your pipes if they grow near them. If you want poplars in your yard, give them plenty of space away from your home to keep your foundation safe.
Lombardy poplar trees
If you plant a Lombardy poplar near your home, watch out for its roots. They grow fast and can spread wide under your foundation.
These roots are known to cause cracks and damage to sidewalks and pipes. Because of this, Lombardy poplars aren’t the best choice for yards close to buildings.
Willow trees
Willow trees grow fast and have roots that spread wide and deep. If you plant one too close to your house, the roots might damage your foundation.
The roots look for water, so they can cause cracks or other problems if they reach your home’s base. It’s better to keep willow trees far away from buildings.
Silver maple trees
If you have silver maple trees near your house, watch out. Their roots spread wide and close to the surface. This can cause cracks or damage to your foundation.
Silver maples grow fast but have weak wood. Storms can break branches, which might hurt your roof or windows. It’s best to plant them far from your home.
Elm trees
Elm trees have shallow roots that spread wide. These roots can grow under your foundation and cause cracks over time.
If you notice elm trees close to your house, keep an eye on any damage to sidewalks or walls. Removing elm trees near your home might be needed to protect your foundation.
Oak trees
If you have oak trees near your house, watch out. Some types like water oaks, live oaks, and red oaks are more likely to cause foundation problems.
Oak roots don’t break concrete by themselves but can grow into cracks or weak spots. This can make foundations shift or crack over time. So, if your oak is close to your home, it’s smart to keep an eye on any changes in sidewalks or the foundation.
Ash trees
Ash trees have roots that can spread wide and sometimes cause problems near your home. If you plant one too close, those roots might push against your foundation or pipes.
You might love the look of ash trees, but it’s smart to give them plenty of space to grow. That way, you keep your home safe and still enjoy the tree.