I've read generally that king palm tree roots don't typically damage concrete very much, due to their thin diameter and tendency to grow in the path of least resistance. Rather, roots can rob the soil near the foundation of crucial moisture. May 28, 2005 #1 I have four large palm trees on my patio. Once the trees’ roots have been exposed, the arborist will then be able to perform any necessary root pruning before installing a root barrier. However, they generally are not too 'pushy' and I haven't even seen a side walk damaged by a palm, though I am sure that's possible (much thinner concrete than a slab). Once your contractor has removed the damaged concrete slabs, your arborist can use an air spade to excavate the tree roots. Mowers, edgers and weed whackers can all damage a tree’s roots and expose the tree to fungal and bacterial infection. Once inside the pipes, they cause leaks and plug up the line. If concrete has been poured directly upon the ground and tree roots, not much can be done. Its underground root system can spread 20 feet deep, sometimes even more in the right conditions. Most trees will not damage a pool wall – as long as they have somewhere else to go – and also remember, if you prune a tree as it grows, and keep it from becoming a 60 ft tree, that will reduce root growth. Palm Trees. However, they can do serious damage to cement sidewalks, patios and driveways when their roots grow beneath and lift them up. Depending on the severity of the root damage, trees can exhibit a number of different symptoms. Once the slab is up, you want to dig out as much of those roots as you can. So is the practice of having cement paved side walks. The caudex basically sits on the surface and really does not go much below the soil level. Can tree roots do damage to retaining walls? Can I plant trees near retaining walls? Taking out tree roots can be a big job, especially if it was a big tree. If you can dig under the caudex, the roots are thick and fleshy, not thick woody roots like trees. Tree roots typically grow close to the surface, and it is not uncommon for them to develop on the underside of hard surfaces such as driveways, which can lead to cracks developing through physical pressure. Joined May 25, 2005 Messages 2 Location Southern California. Call concrete contractors to find out who is experienced in this area and who has a plan to solve your tree root sidewalk damage. Much of a tree’s growth happens underground and out of sight. If planted too close, the expanding trunk and roots of a palm tree will lift pavers and have been known to damage retaining walls. The foundation is 2 feet deep. They are in a space 4 1/2' wide between a retaining wall and concrete patio. The destructive power of root systems can destroy fences, retaining walls, patio paving, pool infrastructure, completely block drains, and even your home's foundations. Many arborists don’t like root barriers because they inhibit the tree’s ability to take up water and nutrients and view the claims of damage to foundations as exaggerated. Unlike the other plants on this list the issues with palm trees isn't the roots, it's the fruit and seeds. Thread starter Carriesue; Start date May 28, 2005; Carriesue. However, not all trees pose a threat to your foundation. Treat the roots with chemicals. But in some cases, subsidence and structural damage can be linked to tree roots. Back. How Concrete Lifting Works. It’s highly unlikely that a palm tree’s roots will damage concrete. The roots for palm trees stay the same diameter for the life of the root. But in terms of the floor, you can jackhammer it up in just a section and cut down – of course, remove all those tree roots under concrete floor. One of the most common tree root problems is introduction into plumbing or sewer systems. This should preferably be away from the tree’s root zone. With that in mind, pools with vinyl siding could be at risk of damage from root growth. Roots crack and crumble cement and concrete and may even damage building foundations if the plant is too close to a structure. * Avenue tree planting is a part of any ideal urban landscape. This causes blockages, flooding and damage to pipes. Better choices for around the garden are smaller, slower growing trees and shrubs which have shallower root systems. They will not be strong enough to shift the pool or poke through it. Trees With Roots That Will Infiltrate Your Septic Tank. Care should be taken to remove any concrete from the tree roots, though the damage may already be done. These fruits and seeds get dropped and block utters downpipes and drains. The anchoring of the tree by the root structure is essential. The Queen palm's root base is known as a noninvasive type so the tree is popular to plant around swimming pools and walkways. It’s important to have trees in cities for so many well-proven reasons, but without adequate consideration, trees in urban environments can cause costly damage to built infrastructure. It may seem like they are no match for durable stone or concrete, but woody roots can do real damage. An Essex Tree Surgeon you can trust. A 60′ tree may need nearly 60′ in roots, but a 15′ tree, may only need 15′ of root space. Of course, who pays for all of this remedial action is the key question. However, there is a limit to this statement. Some species of magnolia are large trees with spreading roots, so you may worry about the damage magnolia roots can do to your home. Shallow-rooted trees can send out invasive roots or limbs, or branches can fall on a neighbor's fence or wall. Pine trees, for instance, have almost no impact on your foundation. Removing Tree Roots After Tree Removal. This is because their roots extend straight down into the soil. Trees growing near a home are often a source of worry to a homeowner, mainly because of the roots. Symptoms and Sequelae of Severed Roots.