What to do If You Have Invasive Tree Roots

One of the main purposes of a tree’s root system is to gather water and nutrients that the plant needs to survive. Some trees have roots that spread out far beyond the tree, sometimes breaking the surface of the ground. These invasive roots can cause major problems, and often the only solution is tree removal Kitchener. Here are some ways to know if you have a significant issue with invasive roots and ideas on how to solve them. 

How Do You Know if You Have Invasive Roots?

Tree root problems become obvious when they break the surface of the ground. If they get too big, they can become a tripping hazard and make mowing more difficult. Unfortunately, however, it is entirely possible to have a tree root problem even when they remain buried out of sight. 

Invasive roots can disrupt cement and concrete structures, such as walkways, driveways, and sometimes even the foundation of a building. Structures compromised by tree root growth may start crumbling or show large cracks. 

Because tree roots are looking for water, they sometimes make their way into plumbing and sewer systems. They can plug up lines and cause the pipes to leak. Infiltration into the pipes is one of the most common tree root problems and also the most serious. You may not notice that there is a problem right away, but eventually, you may notice bad smells, slow-flowing drains, and sinkholes forming in the yard.

How Can You Prevent Invasive Roots?

It is much easier to prevent the problem in the first place than to deal with it after the roots have spread out over the yard. If you’re planting a new tree, or if an existing tree is still very young, you can dig a trench around the root zone about 18 to 24 inches deep to install a root barrier. This helps to keep the roots under control. Another option is to plant trees with non-invasive root systems that offer a low potential for root damage. Examples of such species include acacia, vine maple, and Japanese fir. 

What Can You Do if You Have Invasive Tree Roots?

Invasive tree roots are often a problem that you inherit from someone else. For example, maybe you bought a house where someone made poor choices in the trees they decided to plant. As the new owner of the property, it is now your problem to deal with. 

In many cases, the first step in dealing with the problem is cutting down the tree. Unfortunately, this is not always a complete solution. Sometimes the roots keep growing even after the tree has been cut down. One way to prevent this is to drill holes in the stump and fill them with a stump decay accelerator or covering it with soil. You can also prevent the regrowth of invasive roots by having the stump ground down or digging into the ground to cut back all the sucker roots and buds. Try to cut these as close to the main root as possible. Growth inhibitor or herbicide application may be effective at preventing these roots from growing back. 

What Are the Risks of Trying To Deal With Invasive Roots Yourself?

Invasive tree roots can be very persistent, and amateur attempts to get rid of them may not be very effective. It can be very frustrating to dig around in the ground trying to get rid of the root systems, only to have them grow back again. Not only that, but you may inadvertently damage other plants or trees in the vicinity, as well as the landscape itself. 

It is better to leave tree root problems to a trained arborist. Contact Martin’s Tree Service, and we can perform an inspection of your tree root problem and make recommendations based on what we find.