Tree Roots Near Your House: Protecting Your Property with Joe Tree, Tree Service Inc.

How Tree Roots Grow and Cause Issues

In natural settings, trees extend their roots to anchor themselves, gather water, and absorb nutrients from the soil. However, in urban and suburban environments, the compacted soil and lack of open space force roots to adapt. On city streets, for instance, roots often grow upward, lifting sidewalks in search of air and water. Similarly, roots in residential areas may exploit cracks in pipes, foundations, or pavement as they seek essential resources.

Your trees are no different. They instinctively expand in whatever direction offers the least resistance. It’s crucial to understand when maintenance is enough or when removal is necessary to mitigate potential damage.

What Can Be Done to Manage Tree Roots?

Before taking drastic measures, it’s important to assess whether tree roots are actually causing a problem. Certified arborists at Joe Tree, Tree Service Inc. can use tools like excavation or advanced ground-penetrating radar to identify the issue.

Additionally, if you’re planning home improvements, consult with construction and hardscaping professionals to inspect infrastructure for potential weaknesses or root intrusion.

If invasive roots are confirmed, consider these management strategies:

1. Transplant Smaller Trees
   Relocate younger trees to a safer distance from your property.
2. Install Root Barriers
   Physical barriers like Deep Root Barrier can help control root growth.
3. Use Herbicide-Treated Barriers
   BioBarrier, a fabric infused with herbicide or copper, prevents roots from encroaching. Copper, in particular, is toxic to roots.
4. Protect Pipes with Copper Mesh
   Surrounding underground pipes with copper mesh can deter root growth.
5. Raise Soil Levels
   Adding soil above problematic roots can reduce surface interference.
6. Engineer Soil Under Pathways
   Using coarse, engineered soil under pathways provides stability while limiting root intrusion.
7. Design Flexible Pathways
   Consider using materials like foam or rubber to create walkways that can adapt to root movement instead of cracking.
8. Prune Roots
   In specific scenarios, root pruning can resolve conflicts without harming the tree.
9. Encourage Alternative Root Growth
   Cultivate nutrient-rich soil in safer areas to redirect root expansion.
10. Redesign Your Landscape
    Work with a landscape designer to integrate root-friendly features, such as winding pathways.

Tree-Friendly Solutions Start with Planning

Whether you’re tackling a current issue or planning ahead, tree-friendly solutions are achievable with the right approach. Collaborating with experts, such as the professional arborists at Joe Tree, Tree Service Inc., ensures your property remains safe while maintaining the health and beauty of your trees.

We offer customized strategies for managing invasive roots and protecting your infrastructure. Contact us at Joe Tree, Tree Service Inc. to schedule a consultation and explore solutions tailored to your property.

Keep your trees thriving and your property secure with Long Island’s trusted tree care specialists.