Can plant roots and tree roots eat through steel and iron? Can they eat through rock and concrete?

Answer 1

No but root hairs can wiggle into the gaps of the joints of steel and iron pipes. They can get into surface flaws on rocks and concrete.

Once they are in there getting water or nourishment they can multiply and cause some clogging

Answer 2

I don't know about steel and iron, but I know for a FACT they push through concrete and rock and asphalt. Just walk outside and look at your driveway or street and see if you can find a spot where a little plant has popped out.

Answer 3

My fathers company removed trees, Working with my dad I saw many unusual things trees could do eating through steel and iron was not one of them, But the roots can grow around them and incorporate the piece of steel within their root system. The roots are so powerful they can actually push the steel or iron as the roots grow. Now rocks and concrete are a different, roots can grow right up through the concreat and break it up so don't plant a tree too close to your driveway or sidewalk, rock are also dislodged by root growth. FYI an interesting tree growth was a large oak on a farm which had grown into a barb wire fence. The wire became part of the tree. It was stick ing out of both sides of the tree for the tree was force against the barb wire and the wire held fast and did not break so the tree grew directly into it. Nature's strength should never be underestimated.

Answer 4

they cant until the steel is almost rusted away but they can help rust it faster ,as for rock and concrete yes but again the timetable is extremely long

Answer 5

no, what happens is cracks appear and the roots will move into the cracks and grow larger.

Answer 6

they have this gift of finding the most minute weakness in an obstruction & make ther way thru it

Answer 7

they don't "eat" thru. they just push till they get where they want to go looking for water and food!!!! and yes, they can go thru just about anything!!