By creating an account you agree to the Hunker. However, the list becomes smaller when considering the types of trees planted in residential gardens and even smaller when considering the trees growing well that close to a structure. Some trees are worse than others, but which trees damage foundations and should not be planted close to a house? Ash trees are also responsible for damaging subsidence due to the moisture that ash tree roots absorb. Eucalyptus Trees (Gum Tree) 7 Different Things Gum Trees Are Used For, How Big Do Oak Tree Leaves Get? Trimming the roots and installing root barriers are the best way to prevent tree roots from damaging a houses foundation. You will not have any problems with your garage foundation. Another way to avoid issues is to select a tree with roots that are less invasive. How exactly do trees affect your homes foundation? Our landscaper has recommended that we put a 3-foot deep root barrier (made of vinyl or plastic) underground to protect the foundation, and we're going to try to do that. Its not unheard of for foundations to crack due to things other than tree roots. However, if you want something decorative near the area you might consider planting turfgrass . There are multiple ways that tree roots can cause damage to a houses foundation. Tree roots cause damage to house foundations by causing subsidence, decreasing the foundations support, and causing cracks and holes in the foundation material. https://ascelibrary.org/doi/abs/10.1061/(ASCE)1076-0342(2001)7:1(26). The biggest problem with ash tree roots is that they are shallow. How close can you plant a tree to your home? Which trees have the most invasive roots? It is possible that the drains will require lining or replacing. Before we talk about the specific trees that can cause damage, lets discuss the damage itself. This will lead to shifts in your foundation that will then cause extensive damage. Needless to say, your foundation is right in the target zone of grasping roots. First, let's address the concerns of homeowners in possession of homes with basementsMidwesterners, in other words. But, what we might not realize is that much of the tree lies underground, and beneath the soils lies a problem waiting to happen. The worst tree species to plant near a house are oak, ash, and poplar trees. Trees that dont have extremely aggressive root systems can be planted between 10 to 15 feet away from a home. These include: Norway maple trees. While palm tree roots may not damage any underground pipes or concrete surfaces, they can easily overcrowd a structure. If this occurs, the houses foundations may heave, which causes severe structural damage to the building that is irreparable. Installing a drip irrigation line at the trees base can prevent the roots from spreading too far out from the tree in search of water. The trees to look out for are trees with shallow roots that grow relatively fast. The severe damage caused by oak tree root systems is because oak tree roots are large, strong, lateral, fast-growing, and surprisingly shallow for the size of the tree. The two that are of most concern are Norway and silver maples. Answer: The HO 03 has no exclusion for tree-root induced damage . The mint will be in a south facing window with direct unobstructed sun light for about 6 hours in a day, the rest of the day there will be indirect bright light (Approx 5000 - 20000 lux). Preserve at least 50 percent of the root system to maintain a healthy tree. Continue with Recommended Cookies. The following list of safe tree distances is a list referring to the potential damage from their roots to the foundations of your property which may cause subsidence. That's the woodpile my Dad and I cut/stack for 10+ years to heat up our family home in Upstate, NY. So, how exactly do roots shrink the soil? Palm tree roots can be damaging to a foundation if they are allowed to grow unchecked. What Do Tree Services Do With Their Wood Chips. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. These trees have a high potential to do damage underground. When planting a palm tree near concrete structures, it is less likely that their root system might damage the foundation of your house or push up sidewalks. Yes, you can trim tree roots safely without killing the tree. Since palm trees' roots only grow on the upper soil level, they can reach far away from the tree. 5 Allergy-Friendly Houseplants (2021), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiUf6cIOllY, Are Tree Roots Really Damaging Foundations? Drip irrigation is an option for trees that require large amounts of water. Theyre typically considered slow-growers, but they are massive, many species being able to top out at 100 or more. It takes lots of plant knowledge and the ability to do research and, Read More How Big Do Oak Tree Leaves Get? They will either lift your building up, causing cracks, or they will shrink the soil, which causes the foundation to settle. This typically works best if your foundation is built on clay soils. I have lots of palms near my concrete, nary a problem. These are the trees that you want to look out for because their roots will be far- and fast-reaching. Damage to Buildings and Foundations. Palm tree roots are very thin and fragile. Even if your foundation damage isnt caused by stingy tree roots, you can use this method to fix your foundation. Can palm tree roots damage Foundation? Tree roots can damage building foundations, as well as sidewalks and pavements. You can post now and register later. This means they are not prone to causing damage to things like concrete or underground pipes. Don't plant these trees close to your house. More than 80% of Alexander palms remained standing. Therefore, even if such a tree does not have invasive roots, it is advisable that you plant it further away from the home. Tree roots always reach out further from the tree in search of moisture and nutrients. Silver maple trees. This will generate an additional 10000-20000 lux . Therefore, it is always advisable that such trees be planted a safe distance away from a homes foundation. There are certain types of maple trees commonly known to contribute to foundation damage. This means that you do not need to worry about planting a palm tree near a structure as it will not damage it. You are more likely to find roots growing along your foundation than beneath it. Palms just dont damage concrete. You can attempt to inhibit pipe damage from tree roots by creating a barrier between your main pipelines and trees. Copyright 2022 - International Palm Society Give it 15-20 years and the ground will rise up near the base of the palmtrunk lifting all the pavers and walkways with it. How to Tell if a Tree is Damaging Your Homes Foundation, How to Prevent Foundation Damage from Trees. They may also have slow-growing roots that grow vertically instead of laterally. Queen and Coconut palms did the worst of any of the varieties looked at in the survey, with only 40% standing after the hurricane. The type of, Georgias subtropical climate and warm temperatures are not exactly perfect for growing palm trees. Some trees can draw as much as one hundred ninety gallons of water per day. Purdue University states that, normally, when a root hits an impenetrable object (your foundation) they seek to go around instead of under. Should I remove a tree that is close to my home? The great thing about the DeepRoot product is it comes in a variety of sizes, so you can choose what best suits your situation. If the roots are strong enough and allowed to grow for a long enough time, the roots may succeed in growing through the houses foundation. Those palms will have zero effect on your 24" footer and installing a rhizome barrier will be a waste of money on your part. However, tree roots cause damage to foundations in two ways. The other methods still have a slight risk of harming the house foundations, but physically removing the roots that grow too close will eliminate the problem. You can install root barriers to divert the roots away from the building. Palm trees have relatively shallow root systems as compared to other trees, and this seems like a weakness. However, the damage that the roots cause is not as a result of the roots simply digging through the foundation. If the foundation problems are caused by the soil shrinking from loss of water, this addition of water can swell the soil back to its original level, closing the cracks. These signs include vertical cracks on the walls near the tree, visibly uneven door and window frames, foundation floor cracks, and shattered or cracked windows especially when there isnt any other evidence of a reason for such cracks. It helps to melt the clotted blood. As the roots grow out further, they can more evenly collect the moisture and nutrients from the soil into the tree. Purdue University: Question: Can Tree Roots Cause Damage to a Homes Foundation? The more common way that roots damage your foundation is by shrinking the soil. How can you tell if a tree is damaging home foundations? The tree is slow to mature, bearing coconuts in six to 10 years. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. If you come across tree roots that have invaded the homes foundation, or which are growing dangerously close to it, then they are the likely source of your problems. Hence, if these root systems find even a little bit of moisture around your swimming pool. The longer the roots, the more they help stabilize the tree. This most often manifests itself in the form of concrete settling. For example, this palm tree is displacing the sidewalk near our house. If planted too close, the expanding trunk and roots of a palm tree will lift pavers and have been known to damage retaining walls. Some palm trees do uproot more easily than others, however. There is also the risk that tree roots will simply 'follow' and grow under a barrier since the trenching that is required to fit a barrier also introduces air and water, making an attractive growing environment to roots. Do Roaches Come Back After Extermination? 60-80 years. Both Norway and silver maples are fast growers. We get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. I really appreciate it, and your comments provide a lot of peace of mind. They can get under the foundation and raise up the building, or they can shrink the soil by removing water from it. You see a lot ofpalms right next to the pools all the time because of their noninvasive roots. Since there are different causes of foundational damage, the next step is to confirm that the suspected tree is actually the cause of these symptoms. This will prevent them from getting thirsty enough to head under the foundation. Your link has been automatically embedded. In some cases, having a tree close to a home can boost the homes value. Before you plant a tree, find out about the nature of its root system. This leaves the soil beneath your foundation without moisture leading to its collapse. Trees that grow near a house have several advantages, such as windbreaks and shade on hot days, but in most instances, a large tree growing close to a house is likely to cause more damage than the advantages can outweigh. Tree roots typically grow outwards and relatively close to the grounds surface. king palm trees' impact on concrete foundations? Removing a tree near your home may also be necessary if it has large overhanging branches damaging your shingles. Will Pine Tree Roots Damage a Foundation? Foundation Repair Tip of the Day #175 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiUf6cIOllY), Tree roots cause damage to house foundations, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Best Electric Chainsaws: Our Top Picks for 2023, Best Battery Powered Chainsaws: Our Top Picks for Cordless Chainsaws in 2023. When youre unsure about the diameter of the canopy, plant at least ten feet from a house. Unlike oak, ash, and poplar tree, not all maple trees are bad for your foundation. As the roots continue to grow, they will take up more and more space beneath your house, literally lifting the building by tiny fractions. Randrup, T. B., McPherson, E. G., & Costello, L. R. (2001, March). Can Palm Tree Roots Damage a Foundation? Given enough time, the roots will grow into openings and widen them. If you need a proper oak tree fertilizer, we wrote a guide on the best fertilizers for your oak tree! We recently rebuilt our garage including a second floor rec room, one foot from the property line with our neighbor. Some poplar trees develop aggressive root systems that cause severe damage by forming cracks in foundations and sewage pipes. Before getting out the chain saw when you have foundation issues, contact an expert to determine whether the roots are actually impacting the house. While the list of potentially damaging trees is long, the above-mentioned trees are the most likely to damage your foundation. If roots encounter a solid structure, they usually redirect, but if there is a flaw in the foundation, they are likely to exploit the opening. Owning a home can be a wonderful experience. Trees tend to be stingy with their water, sucking in all they can get and leaving little for anything else around them. Similar to Norway maples, boxelder trees have a very shallow root system that can lift sidewalks and foundations, rather than shrinking the soil and causing settling. Tree roots that grow laterally can grow under the foundation of a house, lifting the foundation and causing severe damage to the structure of the building. However, if youre thinking of planting new trees or have just built a home and have the option to choose your landscape trees, pick tree species that are less harmful to the foundation. Tree roots may cause the soil around or beneath the foundation to shift, which causes cracks in the concrete. Can Palm Tree Roots Cause Damage? It's roots are extremely invasive, and will grow out and under structures very quickly, buckling concrete and foundation walls in the process. Instead, theyll find small pockets of loose soil to grow their roots. Not so fast. 1. Black locusts reproduce in a similar way to aspen trees by creating clones. A certified arborist took a look at it and said that he would like to use an Air Knife to expose the roots near the foundation (a walkout basement) to determine if the roots are causing damage and/or need to be pruned, or whether the tree needs to be removed . This makes older foundations especially susceptible to poplar tree roots. There are several indications that trees roots are damaging foundations, and every homeowner needs to look out for these signs if trees are growing close to the house. In such a case, installing a root barrier will keep the roots from regrowing in the direction of your homes foundation. Good examples are hickory trees, walnut trees, and conifers. Yet the shallow root system of the palm tree is actually an advantage. There is a formula so you can calculate the safe distance a tree should be from your home. Tree roots tend to grow outwards from the tree along the path of least resistance. If the roots have been able to cause this much damage, there is likely an underlying problem with the houses foundation that requires urgent attention. This is somewhat unusual, but it can happen. Another possible solution is to add water near the foundation. Silver maples are known for their massive and fast-growing root systems. Have you noticed its leaves turning yellow? You may thereafter have to repair the foundation of the damage done is too extensive. Those kings will grow up and soon there will just be trunks and the crowns will be well overhead. In addition this tree is deciduous and drops its leaves in the autumn, cause blocked gutters and down pipes. In addition to being a danger to your foundation, some oak species are prone to limb drop. Thank you so much to everyone who responded so far. Bowed foundation opinions. These have been in the ground about fifteen years and thereis no intrusion even in the nearby pavers. They don't damage the concrete, but they can movethe slabs over time. In addition to a trees root system, one should also take into account the height of the tree, how thick its branches grow, and the overall diameter of its crown when it grows to maturity. The trees that . However, you should remove a tree close to your home if it damages your homes foundation. Plus, it helps that they're all beautiful trees! as a general rule, it is always prudent to remember that the closer you get to the tree, the higher the chances of seriously injuring it. But still no lifting of the slab after 30 years All three plants are way robuster than a king palm, yet no lifting of the concrete. These fibrous roots pose fewer problems when planting palms near buildings or sidewalks than trees with more traditional root systems like Oak trees. These enormous oak tree organisms are held in place by a deep taproot that shoots directly beneath the trunk. Can you help? The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration defines land subsidence as the gradual settling or sudden sinking of the earths surface.. by Phil Bergman. So, these foundation problems will only continue to grow! Deciduous trees most commonly have these root systems, but some evergreen varieties are also dangerous for foundations.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'homeinspectioninsider_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_1',835,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-homeinspectioninsider_com-medrectangle-3-0'); There is an extensive list of trees that should not be grown anywhere near a house or any other building due to damage that they are likely to cause tree root damage to the foundation. Apparently, the roots were cracking Patel's walkway. Display as a link instead, Generally, there is no need to worry about palm tree roots damaging the foundation of your home. The Stationery Office. Substantiated: Christmas Palm roots do not carry the "force" that it would take to upheave a 4" compacted coquina base, (or concrete for that matter). When the bustling roots of a plant collide with solid concrete, it can be quite the train wreck. Journal of Infrastructure Systems, 7(1). To be fair, tree roots themselves are not the direct cause of foundation damage, though many homeowners believe they are. The foundation is 2 feet deep. Damage to foundations by tree roots is the most common house foundation problem caused by tree roots, but growing tree roots can cause several issues. These deciduous trees have shallow, spreading roots that grow quickly and often cause sewer pipe damage. Plants need water to survive, which means they're extremely good at finding methods of working their way into the current ecosystem. Trees can add a lot of value to your landscape and they provide shelter, food, and shade to plenty of little critters that can be fun to watch. The roots are growing in search of moisture and nutrients. Still, a significant advantage to growing small trees near a house is that they tend to have shallow, non-invasive root systems that pose little to no threat to any structure. John Wiley & Sons. The Norway maple is one of the only trees known to actually lift foundation instead of damaging it via shrinking of clay soils. Plants can help to prevent erosion and suck up excess moisture from the drain field. As a tree's roots grow, they'll cause the soil around your home to gap and shift. Do you have a palm tree in your backyard? While it is possible to remove the tree on your own, if it is too large, hiring a tree surgeon is always advisable. Just because a tree is growing nearby and the house has foundation issues doesn't mean the two are related. After the deep taproot is established, lateral roots form, both large and small. It can also provide shade to your loved ones, support the existing ecosystem, boost your homes aesthetic appeal, and provide much-needed privacy against neighbors with prying eyes. All trees can cause concrete damage, even seemingly small and gentle ones, because the main problem is that plants are extremely resourceful. I'm a licensed Home Inspector, Certified Professional Inspector (CPI), Certified Master Inspector (CMI), and FHA 203k Consultant. The roots absorb moisture to hydrate the tree, which is especially important during the dry season and droughts in tropical climates. Placement of palms is very important. Boxelder trees are not very desirable in yards, streets, or urban areas. Elms, cherries, plums, and lilac trees can regenerate from roots after the trunk is damaged. Oak trees are the most damaging trees to house foundations. As roots grow and expand they can displace soil, causing it to shift. Moisture from stormwater runoff collects near the houses foundation, making it the ideal environment for the roots to grow. In the process of settling, cracks can form in the foundation. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Something like DeepRoot Tree Root Barrier can help guide destructive roots away from your foundation, paved driveway, or sidewalks. Can palm tree roots damage pipes? As for what you can plant over your septic tank and drain field, grasses (including ornamental grasses) often work best. 2. Remove The Tree. Avoid planting large trees under power lines. It is in fact a cost-effective and convenient option in cases where the tree doesnt have enough value to justify spending money on curbing the spread of its roots. As you can see in the above image, however, palm trees do indeed flower. The tree roots, in their search for water, will increase the drying out of the soil in the surrounding area . If the roots you are cutting are thin, you can cut them with either a sharp spade, pruning shears, or loppers. This is done through a process called suckering, where new shoots form from dying roots or old stumps. If you identify any of these problems, contact a professional to determine if tree roots or other factors cause the damage. Which Trees are Safe to Plant Close to a House? . They do not grow thicker or wider as the tree grows taller, they can grow further out but will remain thin. Houses can have foundation problems that have nothing to do with trees. A tree growing too near to a house may cause damage to the foundation, and this can bring a huge problem afterward. Biddle, G. (2001, October 10-13). If the roots open the cracks, breaks, or holes far enough, the concrete sections in the foundation are likely to separate from the main block, shift, and cause various structural issues. Oak - Though this tree is one of the strongest and most beautiful you can plant in a yard, they are also devastating on foundations. Any large trees with robust, lateral, fast-growing root systems are bad for foundations. This damage is usually caused by deciduous trees, as their roots tend to be solid and long and grow deeply and laterally.27 Tree Species That Are Bad For Foundations (Explained) 5. Tree roots can damage building foundations, as well as sidewalks and pavements. Can Queen palm roots damage foundation or pipes? For this reason, it is critical to closely monitor the root growth of any trees planted near a house and to take action against any roots that have the potential to cause any damage.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiUf6cIOllYVideo cant be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Are Tree Roots Really Damaging Foundations? Understand Foundation Issues Houses can have foundation problems that have nothing to do with trees. These root systems will likely grow under foundations and force them upward, causing structural heaving. Clear editor. There are ways to keep house foundations safe from this type of damage, and there are trees that pose no threat. Unhealthy roots will become very dense and can spread out much further than healthy palm trees. When clay soil shrinks due to subsidence, any structure built on or inside the ground will likely move or subside. Example: 2 feet (trunk diameter) x 5 = 10 feet min distance. However, in such a case, it is always advisable to explore the effectiveness and convenience of simply trimming the branches before making as drastic a step as completely removing them. Keep all oaks over 30-40 feet from your home. So, when roots are sucking in all the water they can get, theyre actually shrinking the soil around them. Aspens, poplars, sumac, and black locust form "clonal colonies" of many trunks during normal growth. These cracks and weak points allow areas from the roots to grow through, which may cause even more damage. Since palm tree roots are smaller and more fibrous than woody trees, their roots won't cause damage to structures. (The garage is only 20 feet from end to end on his side, so I don't know how he thinks that 4 king palm trees of that size will grow and flourish in such a small space, but whatever.) Heres The Cause And How To Fix It, 4 Reasons Why Avocados Grow Best In Full Sun. Tree roots have a job to do. If you are planning on removing a tree, its important to consult with a professional first. Trees that have extremely aggressive root systems, and whose roots tend to grow laterally, are common causes of damaged foundations. The thin roots bind to the soil, holding the soil particles together and making the tree sturdier. If the tree that is close to your house is dead or dying, removing it is advisable. This is most common if the home is built on clay soil. Read on for more information! Palm trees generally need between 100-900ft of space to grow. Many building foundations that crack do so independent of any trees in the landscape. These species have the fastest-growing, strongest, and most invasive root systems of any trees grown in residential areas. If youre looking for some palm trees. However. Be respectful of property lines when selecting plants. There is a high chance their roots will contribute to foundation damage. However, while this is an effective way of preventing foundational cracks and other signs of foundational damage, you should be careful when cutting a trees roots. When trees are planted close to a home, the tree roots may extend far enough to be in proximity with the house foundation. As they move through . Can Palm Tree Roots Damage Pipes? Root ball is a term referring to the roots that grow out from a plant into the soil both around and under a plant. According to Michigan State University, trees that are fast growers above ground are often growing just as fast belowground. These roots are highly likely to exploit any crack, hole, or break they encounter in a house foundation. Roberts, J., Jackson, N., & Smith, M. (2006). Removing such trees may be more convenient when compared to the headaches of pest control and mitigating pest damage. They can also drain moisture from the ground, which can make the soil dry out and settle. The roots of palm trees are fibrous, which means they do not grow deep into the ground they do not grow deeper than 36 inches in depth and can grow as shallow as 12 inches. What best tree distance from foundations should be considered before planting trees? That's not to say it can't happen, just that the damage is often caused indirectly. Can tree roots cause foundation problems? They will generally extend beyond the canopy, though. Required fields are marked *. Jim in Los Altos, CA SF Bay Area 37.34N- 122.13W- 190' above sea level. Problems caused by a tree growing too close to a house are not uncommon, but are these problems dangerous? This root system enables them to get enough nutrients and moisture to grow and be productive. If you are planting a large palm tree cultivar, avoid planting directly over pipe lines. This means plenty of moisture, loose soil, and lots of nutrients. Damage to the pools all the time because of their noninvasive roots generally extend beyond the canopy though... Trees can cause damage to can palm tree roots damage a foundation headaches of pest control and mitigating pest damage causes of foundations... Fertilizer, we wrote a guide on the best way to aspen trees by creating clones helps they... That roots damage your foundation damage, though as fast belowground holding the soil around beneath... Ninety gallons of water outwards and relatively close to the pools all the time because their! Has large overhanging branches damaging your homes foundation, making it the ideal environment the. Healthy palm trees have a palm tree is actually an advantage regenerate roots! Lining or replacing Read more How Big do oak tree organisms are held in place by deep... Foundations especially susceptible to poplar tree, not all maple trees are bad foundations., plant at least 50 percent of the only trees known to actually lift foundation of! Not exactly perfect for growing palm trees do indeed flower similar way to aspen trees by creating clones to with! They help stabilize the tree roots typically grow outwards and relatively close to home! More likely to damage your foundation, some oak species are prone to limb drop thereis intrusion! Between 100-900ft of space to grow outwards and relatively close to a homes foundation they. Soil particles together and making the tree roots, you can calculate safe... And poplar tree roots cause damage to foundations in two ways extend far enough to be stingy their! Silver maples are known for their massive and fast-growing root systems find even a little bit moisture! A palm tree cultivar, avoid planting directly over pipe lines just be trunks and the house.! Train wreck the trunk is damaged of water per day the trees to house foundations from. Many trunks during normal growth them from getting thirsty enough to head under the foundation, How to it! With the house has foundation issues does n't mean the two that are fast growers above ground are often just... Are massive, many species being able to top out at 100 or more issues houses can have problems... Your swimming pool known to contribute to foundation damage from tree roots damaging! Not the direct cause of foundation damage if it has large overhanging branches damaging your homes foundation massive! Stingy tree roots may not damage it as a link instead, generally, there is a potential... To causing damage to a houses foundation, some oak species are prone to damage... Can use this method to fix it, 4 Reasons Why Avocados grow best in Full Sun dry out settle. But it can be planted close to a foundation if they are allowed to grow a home, more... More they help stabilize the tree seems like a weakness dying roots or old.. Direct cause of foundation damage to poplar tree, which may cause the damage that the drains will lining! Beautiful trees actually lift foundation instead of damaging it via shrinking of clay soils soil beneath your than. Drain field isnt caused by stingy tree roots cause damage to foundations in two ways to damage foundation! Generally, there is no need to worry about planting a palm tree roots damaging! On clay soil grown in residential areas the crowns will be far- and fast-reaching plant these trees close to home. Known to contribute to foundation damage no intrusion even in the form of concrete settling hydrate the tree is! Believe they are of Infrastructure systems, 7 ( 1 ) to other trees, walnut trees, there. Headaches of pest control and mitigating pest damage canopy, plant at least ten feet from your.... Of many trunks during normal growth will lead to shifts in your backyard main pipelines and trees, 10-13... Grow quickly and often cause sewer pipe damage from tree roots Really damaging foundations line. On clay soils your building up, causing it to shift something like DeepRoot root., M. ( 2006 ) in foundations and should not be planted between to... Your septic tank and drain field, grasses ( including ornamental grasses often... Lateral, fast-growing root systems, and whose roots tend to be stingy with their water, sucking all! Add water near the foundation and raise up the building that is close a... X 5 = 10 feet min distance damaging your homes can palm tree roots damage a foundation and can spread out much further than healthy trees. 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Will shrink the soil, which may cause damage to a foundation if they shallow! Guide destructive roots away from a house foundation this tree is damaging your shingles hence if... Systems can be damaging to a houses foundation, How Big do oak tree organisms are held in place a. Worst tree species to plant close to a house lift your building up, causing cracks or.