Impact on Your Property’s Structure

Tree roots can cause many issues on your property; as the roots of a tree develop and spread, they will likely encroach upon, disrupt, or impede the placement of underground services (water lines, electric lines, gas lines), foundation walls, and hardscaping elements. We see this issue quite frequently at Tree Service Experts Kenmore in Kenmore’s residential areas; specifically, where tree roots have caused sidewalk sections to lift up, driveway slabs to crack, and even home foundations to be compromised.

Indicators of Possible Root-Related Problems

As previously mentioned, there are several signs that can indicate possible root-related problems on your property. The most noticeable indicator is where a tree has developed surface roots throughout your lawn, causing a hazard due to uneven terrain and creating obstacles for lawn mowing and other lawn care activities. Another possible sign may be uneven ground close to a tree, cracks in hardscaping elements such as sidewalks, patios, etc., and/or issues related to your plumbing system. Within your home, you may notice cracking within your walls and/or floors, which could be a result of the roots of the tree interfering with your home’s foundation.

Proactive Steps to Manage Your Roots

While it may appear as though tree roots are something out of your control, you can take measures to control the problem by being proactive and taking the necessary precautions during the planting process of a new tree and/or by performing regular monitoring and maintenance of your existing trees. Strategically selecting the location of your new tree based upon the mature size of the tree and the type of root system it develops is one method of preventing damage to your hardscaping and infrastructure in the long run. Regular monitoring and maintenance of your trees’ root systems is another way to catch potential problems before they become major issues.

Solutions for Managing Problematic Tree Roots

A professional arborist can assist you in finding solutions to the problems created by tree roots. One solution may be root pruning; if done correctly, it can allow you to manage aggressive root development without harming the tree itself. Installing root barriers around structures and hardscape is another solution to protect them from future root damage. Lastly, in certain cases, modifying the soil or aerating the soil may be necessary to promote the tree to grow roots deeper into the soil, thus reducing the problem associated with surface roots.

Importance of a Professional Assessment

While some potential root-related issues may be apparent, others may need to be assessed by a trained expert in order to properly diagnose and correct the issue. Certified arborists at Tree Service Experts Kenmore utilize state-of-the-art technologies and tools to analyze the health of a tree’s root system and determine whether or not there exists a risk to your property. Some examples of technologies used include ground-penetrating radar to locate and map a tree’s root system and soil testing to determine how well the soil supports the root system of your tree.

Seasonal Factors Affecting Root Health

Similar to other regions of the country, the unique seasonal characteristics of the Pacific Northwest require the application of different strategies for root maintenance. Monitoring the rate of soil drainage is extremely important during the wet winter months to prevent root rot. Spring and summer may require additional attention to watering young trees, as well as possibly providing additional support to newly-planted trees. Fall is typically the best time to perform root maintenance tasks as the soil is less saturated prior to the onset of wet weather.

Conclusion

Understanding and properly managing the root systems of your trees is very important to ensuring the continued health of your trees as well as the structural integrity of your property. At Tree Service Experts Kenmore, we possess extensive experience and the latest technologies to assist you in addressing any problematic tree root systems you may have. Whether you are looking to establish a new landscape feature, plant new trees, or simply want to maintain the health of your current trees, understanding the importance of root maintenance is essential to ensuring the continued value and functionality of your property. To schedule a professional assessment of the health of your tree’s root system and to develop a plan to minimize risks to your property, contact Tree Service Experts Kenmore today.