Answer, hell no! Tree roots only point to problems. Then, yes make said problem a lot worse until repaired. Unless new seedling began growing up right against foundation line, and then inevitably increase in girth overtime.

Tree roots needing oxygen primarally stay within first foot of soil line. Sinking ground or settling foundation usually results when large tree root underneath dies off and begins decomposing.

Back in the ancient days, when engineers wanted to hydraulically crack a boulder. They would insert a young tree root and pinch of soil in between small crack, then patiently wait for root to inevitably increase in girth.

Already existing trees before New foundation built, will continue to go straight out from where they were severed underground. And may take advantage of loosened soil redeposited around poured foundation. Since loosened soil contains more spaces in between, allowing rain water and oxygen to travel at a deeper level.

And regarding other infrastructure. Trees Actually take advantage of already damaged drain pipes and cracking foundations. Both conditions attracted by moisture.

Ironically when engineers intentionally compact grade directly under sidewalk slabs, tree roots that can no longer grow deeper underneath oxygenless compacted grade. Instead grow directly on top of the ground surface crossing over to find better soil elsewhere. In fact because temperature differences underneath cool sidewalk slab actually causes atmospheric moisture to condense and drip. Engineer's actually invite roots to grow underneath.

So in the end, surface Root production result of roots that cannot grow deeper into compact soil. And nothing to do with its species nor because tree have been planted too high. Thus installing tree deeper will not prevent surface root growth.

All comments from YouTube:

Niko Demon

3y↑2

Here’s the real answer. Yes, roots can destroy your foundation and your plumbing. Especially if your house is built over expansive soils. When a tree is planted too close to the house, the roots will eventually deplete the surrounding soil of moisture and start seeking it in other places. Under your house is a great place to find it. Once that expansive soil is depleted of moisture, it will shrink down to a 1/10th of its fully saturated density and everything above it will drop. This is why you hear about cracks opening and closing, doors working and then being stuck, and various other issues throughout the year. In rainy seasons the trees and soils are happy. In dry seasons, not so much. This is why summer is such a busy season for foundation companies. Homes with trees planted too close will experience differential settlement, which will lead to cracks. If the entire house moved up and down at the same rate, no cracks would form. Since trees increase the settlement locally by drying out the soils containing their roots, certain areas will drop faster, and stress the slab leading to interior and exterior cracks. In north Texas, trees are responsible for almost all foundation and plumbing problems. If you see cracks in your house, look out the window… is there a tree in your view? You now have your culprit. 😃

MIKE SCHULIK

4y↑1

Hello. Have you ever seen a situation where an entire slab had to be replaced? I just started a remodel and after pulling up the flooring, I have cracks everywhere. I also have heaved sidewalk and a heaved and split back patio. I dug out 2 toilet drains and found roots in both. I cut down two trees in my front yard. The pine tree and the eucalyptus tree both seem to have extensive root systems. I’m wondering if I should call my insurance company? Thank you for any help you can provide.

Dalinghaus Construction, Inc

Definitely sounds like you should give your insurance company a call!

Kurdt Nirvana

Hi I live in India, My building is 20 years old. Relatively old concrete apartment. I have huge almond tree growing (30 feet tall), 5 metres away from the building. Many people in my building are wanting to cut the tree. Because they say it's roots are entering the building's foundation through the paver blocks and concrete, And can hamper it's structure? What should I do? it's urgent because I don't want these people to cut the tree please help.

Kurdt Nirvana

@Dalinghaus Construction, Inc can you share your mail ID so that I can share the photographs. I would like to make a correction it's 2mts away from my building the stem diameter is around 6inches so how much will be the size of the roots. Also will they grow laterally?

Kurdt Nirvana

@Dalinghaus Construction, Inc I don't know If the roots have entered or not, it's just a vague accusation they are making against the tree, sadly in the periphery of my building around 1sq km, there is no normal ground , everything is concretised I wanted to save this last remaining tree. But it's not just that ! These people are cutting the tree because birds which come on it shit on the concrete and sometimes on their heads too. These are Butthurt guys! But I'll fight them.

Dalinghaus Construction, Inc

5 meters away is relatively close... Is there any proof that the roots have made their way to the building? If so... it's only going to get worse. It's hard to say without inspecting the building, but your guys' best bet would probably be to cut the tree down and plant several more almond trees further away!

keen learner

please give a piece of advice. the width of street is 20 feet where there are two or three story-buildings on both sides . I wished to plant mango /Jamun along side the road. Having watched your video, I gave it up. So kindly suggest me the best plants for the narrow space which may be best for environment too ( reduce warming/heat)

Dalinghaus Construction, Inc

@L Chen Unfortunately apple trees can have a pretty large root system

L Chen

@Dalinghaus Construction, Inc how about fruit trees like apple trees?

keen learner

3y↑1

@Dalinghaus Construction, Inc thank for the suggestion .

Dalinghaus Construction, Inc

3y↑1

We'd recommend:
Small ornamental trees, such as dogwood, redbud, Japanese map, crepe myrtle and star magnolia. Vining plants for ground covers, such as liriope, ivy, creeping juniper, periwinkle and sweet woodruff.

Shadow Pitt

3y↑1

If my palm tree roots is cracking my neighbors concrete will I be liable ?

Dalinghaus Construction, Inc

Great question! It really depends on the state & county that you're located. Generally speaking, in California, the tree's owner would be held liable for damage caused by the tree or its roots... but we've never seen a cut & dry case, and it'll typically involve a pretty time consuming and expensive lawsuit.

H P

4y↑2

is it better to burn the roots or dig and remove them entirely

H P

4y↑2

thanks

Brian Dalinghaus

4y↑2

Dig and remove completely will give you the best results. Along with adding root barriers while you have it excavated.

CONCERTMANchicago

5y↑4

CONCERTMANchicago

Anirudha, I used to be a kid once too! We're so lucky that our parents teach us everything they know, then we can start teaching them about things they don't. Ciao India!

Anirudha Shahide

@CONCERTMANchicago lol 611 what.iam from. India.and iam just 16 .If I told my parents to do all these they would just laugh.j want to kept it secret

CONCERTMANchicago

4y↑1

@Anirudha Shahide, slow down and hurry up!

Then it looks like you're situations search terms led you to this perfect video. First suggestion is to call 611, which is a free utility location service that will come out and Mark where the gas and water lines are before you dig.

I'm not sure if you're asking question to the professional irrigation plumber. Or to me the professional arborist. Unless you're a good do-it-yourselfer, a good suggestion would be to call in a local professional. From my experience tree roots compound cracked foundation problems. Just make sure to cleanly sever root end on an angle where Roots won't grow back tward pipe.

Anirudha Shahide

4y↑1

Plz reply fast bro

Anirudha Shahide

4y↑1

Bro I need your urgent help .Iam facing the same foundation issue as well as pipe system issue

Cavity Creep

My neighbors tree roots keep breaking my water line

Dalinghaus Construction, Inc

3y↑1

@Cavity Creep If it keeps breaking your water line than there aren't really any other effective options... It's just going to continue happening.

Cavity Creep

@Dalinghaus Construction, Inc not my tree to remove

Dalinghaus Construction, Inc

@Cavity Creep have the tree removed!

Cavity Creep

@Dalinghaus Construction, Inc Advise?

Dalinghaus Construction, Inc

That's no good! It's happened several times?

Kurdt Nirvana

4y↑1

I'm in a dilemma here guys I need some structural engineering help. Could someone please help via mail?

Dalinghaus Construction, Inc

3y↑1

Hi Kurdt, We apologize for the delayed reply. You can shoot whatever questions you have or requests to us at wecare@dalinghausconstruction.com

Yuvia Barajas

4y↑2

😪😪 i just got a house with huge trees close to the house i dont want to get rid of them😪😪😪

Kurdt Nirvana

@Dalinghaus Construction, Inc thank you

Dalinghaus Construction, Inc

@Kurdt Nirvana You can try to transplant them or if you are able to install a root barrier those are about your only 2 choices if you are looking to keep the tree and not have potential damage to the building's foundation.

Kurdt Nirvana

@Dalinghaus Construction, Inc please help

Kurdt Nirvana

@Dalinghaus Construction, Inc Hi I live in India, My building is 20 years old. Relatively old concrete apartment. I have huge almond tree growing (30 feet tall), 5 metres away from the building. Many people in my building are wanting to cut the tree. Because they say it's roots are entering the building's foundation through the paver blocks and concrete, And can hamper it's structure? What should I do? Please help as I don't want people to cut that old almond tree. I can send you pictures also