Trees add beauty and shade to a property, but when they grow too close to a home’s foundation, they can cause structural issues. From moisture depletion to root intrusion, nearby trees sometimes pose risks that require monitoring or even removal. Here’s a guide to help you determine when a tree is problematic for your foundation, when it may need removal, and when monitoring is sufficient.

Trees need water, and their roots draw moisture from the soil around them. For clay-rich soils, this water withdrawal can cause the soil to shrink, potentially creating gaps that lead to foundation settling. As the soil dries out, foundations may experience slight shifts or even cracking. During drought periods, the effects of moisture depletion are often amplified, especially in homes with shallow foundations.

Tree roots grow outward and seek moisture, sometimes extending under foundations. Although tree roots don’t directly damage concrete, their presence can shift soil, creating uneven pressure points. In some cases, roots can exploit existing cracks or flaws in the foundation, leading to further cracking or destabilization. Additionally, in homes with older or less stable foundations, root intrusion can increase the risk of structural damage.

In areas with expansive soils, tree roots may actually increase moisture content during wet seasons, which can cause soil to expand. This process, known as heaving, exerts upward pressure on the foundation. Trees near the foundation may contribute to uneven heaving if one side of the home is more affected than the other, leading to foundation misalignment over time.

• Visible cracks on the foundation or exterior walls, especially those that are new or expanding.

• Uneven settling or slight tilting of the foundation, which may cause doors and windows to become misaligned.

• Root exposure near the foundation, particularly in cases where roots have grown into the soil close to the foundation wall.

• Soil dryness or noticeable gaps in clay soils, often more pronounced during dry seasons.

1. Proximity to the Foundation: Large trees with root systems extending toward the foundation and within 10-15 feet of the home can pose a risk, particularly if they are species known for aggressive root growth (such as oaks, maples, and willows).

2. Foundation Damage: If a tree is clearly contributing to foundation issues, such as widening cracks or tilting, removal may be necessary to protect the home’s stability. This is particularly true if the foundation is already susceptible to movement or has been previously compromised.

3. Poor Soil Conditions: In areas with clay soils that are prone to shrinking and expanding, trees can exacerbate soil movement around the foundation. If monitoring has shown that a tree is contributing to these issues, removal may be the best solution to stabilize the soil moisture levels around the foundation.

In many cases, trees can remain near a home if properly monitored and managed:

1. Healthy Distance: Trees located farther from the foundation (generally over 15 feet) are less likely to cause direct root intrusion or soil moisture depletion. For these trees, regular inspections may be sufficient to ensure they aren’t impacting the foundation.

2. Smaller, Less Aggressive Root Systems: Species with smaller or less invasive roots, such as dogwoods or redbuds, may not pose a significant risk, even if closer to the foundation. These trees can often be monitored rather than removed, as their roots are less likely to disrupt the soil around the foundation.

3. Preventative Pruning and Root Barrier Installation: For trees you wish to preserve, consider installing root barriers to limit the spread of roots toward the foundation. Pruning the canopy can also reduce the tree’s water needs, lessening its impact on the soil moisture near the foundation.

• Regular Inspections: Conduct annual inspections of the foundation and soil around large trees. Look for any new cracks, tilting, or signs of settling that could indicate root interference or soil changes.

• Moisture Management: During dry seasons, consider adding controlled irrigation near the foundation to maintain soil moisture. This can prevent soil from drying out excessively and reduce the risk of shrinkage from root activity.

• Consulting an Arborist: If you’re unsure whether a tree poses a risk, an arborist can assess the health and root structure of nearby trees and recommend solutions like pruning, root barriers, or even selective removal.

Trees near foundations can often coexist with a home’s structure, but certain cases warrant removal to protect against foundation issues. When trees are close, aggressive in root growth, or causing visible foundation problems, proactive steps—whether monitoring, pruning, or removal—can prevent costly repairs and maintain the structural integrity of your home.