Most homeowners are thankful to have the beauty and shade from the mature trees in their yard. But what they are not aware of is that a few of these trees could also be the cause of some expensive repairs bills. Unbeknownst to many, the roots of some trees are far more aggressive and dangerous than others. And when you plant them, the roots damage and invade sewer lines in just a few short years. The following list includes the major offenders:
- Willows
- Elm
- Maple
- Aspen
- Birch
- Oak
- Fig/Ficus
- Sycamore
All of the trees on the list have fast-growing root systems that aggressively seek out water and nutrients for these massive trees. To get an idea of the size and reach of a tree’s root system, imagine a mirror image of the tree’s canopy, underground. In most cases, that is a very accurate image of what the root structure resembles. Keep that image in mind as you select locations for more substantial trees in on your property. Space them as far from your sewer line as possible to avoid issues from root damage and invasion.
Trees With Less Invasive Root Systems
Unless your yard is reasonably substantial, you might not be able to plant trees with invasive roots safely. For smaller properties, it is best to select your trees from the following list of less invasive varieties. Some of the most popular choices include:
- Magnolias
- Wafer Ash
- Sabal Palm
- Some Cypress and Cedar
- Most fruit trees
- Mediterranean Fan Palms
Signs Of Tree Root Issues
Many homeowners purchase existing homes and have no input in the tree selection. If that is the case at your home, you might be wondering how to know if your trees are creating issues with your sewer line. There are several common indications to watch out for that will tell you that tree roots have damaged your sewer line.
- Frequent and unexplained clogs in tub, toilet, and sink drains
- A gurgling sound coming from drains
- Frequent toilet issues that require plunging
- Water that is slow to drain from the tub or sink
- Unexplainable moist areas in your yard
- Wet areas in your yard that have a foul smell
Think About Your Water Service Lines As Well
In most cases, tree roots are the culprit of sewer line issues, but they can also cause some problems with the water supply lines running into your home. These lines are usually deeper than sewer lines. You might not have a visual indication of a water leak in your yard. But there are a few other signs that indicate tree root damage to your home’s water supply lines.
- A sudden loss of water pressure throughout your home
- A significant reduction in the amount of water flow from your faucets and showers
- A whistling sound or odd noise when you turn on a water faucet or shower
- A sudden spike in your water bill even though your usage has not increased
Who To Call For Help
When you have an issue with your sewer line or the water service lines coming into your home, your best option is to call (214) 388-4525 for assistance from a Metroplex Leak & Line licensed plumber. Our pros have the training and expertise to quickly determine the problem and provide you with cost-effective options to repair it.
In the case of tree root invasions in your sewer line, our pros deploy a tiny camera inside the pipe to look for blockages or damage to the pipe. Once the issue is located, we will show you images of the problem and provide as many repair options as possible. The repairs could range from replacing a small section of the sewer line to a process called trenchless sewer line replacement.
If the problem is damage to your water supply line, our team will locate the leak quickly using the latest in leak detection technology. Once we know where the leak is located and the extent of the damage, we will provide you with complete price quotes for the various repair options. Our goal is always to offer as many repair options as possible to meet your budgetary needs.
Clearly, it is always best to prevent the possibility of tree root damage to your pipes by locating trees away from all water and sewer lines. However, if you have not planted the trees, you could inherit the issues of the previous homeowner. And when that occurs, it is best to call in the professionals to locate the problem as cost-effectively as possible. All of our work is backed by a full warranty on parts and labor. And we offer appointments in the evening and on the weekends to eliminate adding stress to your busy schedule.
