These natural beauties can wreak havoc on your home’s foundation if left unchecked.

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Trees offershady sanctuaryand natural beautybut some can also pose a risk to your property.

Poplars have an extensive root system that can spread out under your homes foundation in search of water.

house with trees

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Poplar roots can also make existing foundation problems like cracks or settlement worse.

If you have oak trees, perform regular inspections and pruning, especially after storms, Schumacher advises.

As ash tree roots search for water, they can push into a homes foundation.

Landscape on the banks of the Rhine River near Zons. The city of Zons is a village on the left bank of the Rhine in the Lower Rhine, (North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany) and a district of the city of Dormagen in the Rhein district of Neuss. Dormagen Zons in June 2020.

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These roots can infiltrate small cracks in foundations, exacerbating existing issues."

Silver maple roots are so strong and shallow that they can crack pavement, pipes, and foundations.

Norway maples also have fast-growing roots that can damage a homes foundation.

Forest Scene. Willow

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Practices likedeep wateringcan help direct roots more deeply into the ground and away from your homes foundation.

Seek professional help if you should probably install root barriers to protect your home.

Diligently monitoring trees and promptly addressing concerning changes can help reduce risks before major issues arise.

Oak Tree

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Reversing Damage

If you think your tree is already affecting your home’s structuredon’t fret!

it’s possible for you to still work with a professional to assess the situation.

You might also notice visible roots near the foundation or changes in thelandscape around the tree.

Butzer Hill, Queen Elizabeth Park, Hampshire, England

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The structural engineer can evaluate the extent of the foundation damage and suggest appropriate repairs.

Lone silver maple tree under blue sky in autumn

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