If you have a large tree in your back or front yard that is causing several problems and need to be removed, the first question you will ask yourself is whether removing it will cause foundation problems. The thing is that sometimes removing a tree by tree cutting services might be good for the foundation. However, you need to consider several important factors. Let’s discuss!

Trees And Foundation Damage

It is quite possible that a tree can cause foundation damage. In the case of invasive roots reaching the foundation, they will absorb the moisture from the soil and around the foundation. With time, the ground will begin to sink as all the water will be consumed by the roots.

As a result, your foundation will crack, twist, shift or settle. One of the most popular signs is that a house tilts to one side since the soil in that area has dried out and sunk several inches. In addition to that, it is often assumed that the roots need to physically invade the foundation to damage it. However, that is not the case each time.

If a tree is installed too close to your house, regardless of the type, the roots will one day or the other make their way to the foundation and even damage concrete.

How Do You Know Roots Are Damaging The Foundation?

Apart from your house tilting to one side, tree roots damaging the house’s foundation can be easily observed via vertical cracks. The reason is that the soil surrounding the foundation dries up due to roots absorbing the water and will cause it to sink. Therefore, if you observe that your house is tilting to one side, especially close to the tree, it means that the roots are taking their toll on the foundation.

Furthermore, when planting trees, it is important that you select the right type, which is not only easy to maintain and look after but also does not pose a threat as it grows. If you tend to ignore this factor, you will end up with expensive repairs that will require uprooting the tree and fixing the foundation to bring the house back to its original position.

What Happens To The Foundation When Trees Are Removed?

As the tree or trees are removed, the area begins to arise naturally as the water, which was otherwise absorbed by the roots is retained by the soil. As a result, the ground swells. In some cases, this is good for that particularly affected area as the sinking problem goes away after a certain period of time. However, it might take several months to years.

On the other hand, a disadvantage of tree removal is yard flooding as there won’t be tree roots to absorb water. This is especially the case if you are living in areas that experience heavy rainfalls and floods etc. As a result, the ground becomes soggy and flooded.

With that said, if there is a root system living underneath, you might be able to walk away with yard flooding.

Pros And Cons Of Tree Removal For Your House’s Foundation

When it comes to removing a tree from your foundation, you need to consider several important factors as the decision-making process is not that easy. There are several ups and downs that you should keep in mind. For instance, if you were to get rid of a tree, you can prevent further damage to your foundation and the ground will “swell up” as the soil retains more water.

Meanwhile, you also increase the chances of yard flooding as mentioned previously, since there isn’t going to be a root system that absorbs water. As a result, the excess water might make its way into the foundation, which is an equally frustrating situation.

Another cost you will have to bear with removing the tree is the shade for the extremely hot season. This will increase the cooling bills and you won’t be better off in the long run. This is why you need to think hard before you can proceed with cutting down the tree.

Final Word

Concluding, removing a tree will save your house’s foundation if the roots have made or are making their way to the foundation. But keep in mind that you will have to live with the possibility of yard flooding and no shade to keep you protected from the blazing sun. Discuss it with tree removal companies Chevy Chase and find a solution.