How to avoid tree root from damaging the foundation of a house?

Question

My house was back to a community park and a few maple trees was just planted adjacent to the fence. Recently I found a lot of roots grew into my backyard. I was worried that those roots may continue to grow and affect the foundation of my house

Answer 1

Update? how far away are these trees? more than 20 feet? I have seen maple trees planted next to a sidewalk take greater than 20 years before they lift the walk.
I would worry more about the trees falling down and breaking the fence.

Answer 2

Thank you for your question. It made me and my husband think to ask about a plum tree we have near our house.

My backyard is about 30 ft. wide but about 50 ft long. We have an easement that runs the length of our block: that gives all neighbors on both streets a back entrance to their yards. My house is set closer to the street in front and is two stories over a garage and we have a long driveway running down the middle of the backyard, from the garage to the easement.

Next door neighbor to our north side has two mature Cypress trees over 35 ft. tall growing at the northeast corner of his lot (near the easement roadway). The tree branches have extended over our yard and his neighbor's to the north. His tree roots have grown into my flower beds and lifted a small edge of our driveway (minor damage), but have done major damage to the roadway directly behind his house. They have pushed up and cracked all the pavement creating big potholes and large cracks making it extremely hazardous for pedestrians & vehicles. The neighbors living adjacent to the roadway are very concerned and we have initiated a conversation about correcting the problem with the owner of the trees. They are having an arborist come out and look at the situation & give some advice.

Yes, depending on the height and size of the tree, the roots of trees planted next to the fence will grow into your property and if your foundation is within range, affect that too, according to my experience and the answers I have received from the kind people answering my question.

Answer 3

Picopico didn't read the question. Of course you can't cut down the tree and I question your legal right to interfere with the root system of a tree that is not yours. But of course you have to protect your property.

I would suggest going to the town or municipal office - whoever has jurisdiction over the park. Explain the problem and ask for their help/advice. If the trees were planted recently, it may not be too late to relocate them to a more appropriate spot.

Answer 4

Different trees can have different impacts on the foundation. To prevent damage to your foundation, cut out the offending roots or cut down the tree and place herbicide into holes drilled into the stump.

Answer 5

What's more important, the tree or the house? Keep only one

Answer 6

I agree with keepsonda...