Being in the South, we all know and love nature — even those of us in the bigger cities. And while a big, beautiful oak tree looks excellent in front of any Southern home, they’re not always for the best. A problem may be sprouting underground without you even knowing about it! If tree roots damage your foundation, it could negatively impact your home. Find out if tree removal could save your home from further foundation damage with WCK Foundation Repair.
How Do I Know If My Tree Is Damaging My Foundation?
It isn’t always easy to know if your foundation is damaged. However, telltale signs of foundation damage may begin to appear over time. And, if you recognize some of these signs, it can indicate that it’s time to get in touch with a foundation repair specialist. Foundation damage signs can include:
- Sinking Ground. If there’s a sudden dip or soft spot in a section of flooring, it can be a sign that the foundation beneath has been compromised — especially if there is a tree near the exterior of this part of your home.
- Visible Cracking on Your Foundation. For many homes, the edges of the foundation slab can be seen from the outside if not blocked by landscaping. Visible cracks, especially large ones, can mean big trouble. There may be hidden damage beneath the surface as well. As nearby tree roots expand in search of water, they can infiltrate and worsen cracks in your home’s foundation.
- Drainage Issues. This can occur for a handful of reasons, and it can harm your foundation if not handled properly. As tree roots grow and spread over time, they can cause additional drainage problems by compacting the ground or blocking previous drainage pathways.
- Other Landscaping Issues. Your foundation, the soil, and the trees can have pretty substantial effects on the ground. When one thing goes wrong, it can impact others. For this reason, it’s always best to take charge and solve existing issues before they get worse.
Unless you can see the roots, you may not know if your tree is causing these issues. But should you schedule tree removal services to prevent further foundation damage anyway? Can removing a tree cause foundation problems and worsen the situation? Find out with WCK Foundation Repair.
Should I Get My Tree Removed?
We’ve discussed some of the ways trees can harm a foundation. But did you know that they can also help sometimes? For instance, if you experience heavy rainfall, tree roots can remove excess moisture. Additionally, trees can help with soil stabilization by preventing erosion.
If you choose to remove your tree, realize that these benefits will be removed along with it. Depending on the size of your property, it may be a good alternative to invest in a root barrier for trees 20 to 30 feet from your home.
Will Tree Removal Cause Cause Foundation Damage?
Sometimes, removing a tree can actually cause foundation problems instead of preventing them. Trees with extensive root systems, such as live oaks, can branch out and form roots beneath your home’s foundation. If the tree is taken down, these roots will eventually decay, which can cause soil to shift — and, ultimately, your foundation with it. As noted earlier, the removal of tree roots can also contribute to increased stagnant water and soil erosion, worsening drainage issues.
In some extreme cases, tree removal might be your only choice. If you are unsure if tree removal could prevent foundation damage or lead to it, our team is here to help. Give our professionals a call and see which option is best for your home and yard.
Need Tree Removal Advice? Let WCK Foundation Repair Help
Do you want to know more about the tree removal process or get a second opinion about whether or not you need your tree removed? Get in touch with WCK Foundation Repair. We can direct you to a structural engineer for advice on tree removal. A structural engineer can elaborate on which trees should be removed around your foundation and why. Have a question for us? Give us a call at 225-664-5956 or send us a message online. We’re happy to help in whatever way we can. Don’t forget to request your free foundation repair estimate today!