06/20/2026
🚨🚨🚨SERIOUS FACT, Please read🚨🚨🚨
Happy Saturday!
I've stayed quiet about this issue for a long time, but I've always joked that there should be a license required before planting a tree. While that's obviously an exaggeration, planting the wrong tree in the wrong location can create serious and expensive problems for homeowners.
One of the biggest mistakes people make is planting trees too close to a home's foundation. Tree roots don't typically "seek out" foundations, but they can create issues when they grow near them. Large root systems can contribute to soil movement by absorbing moisture, and in some cases roots can exploit existing cracks or weaknesses in a foundation. That's why it's important to carefully consider a tree's mature size and root spread before planting.
If you inherit a property where a tree was planted too close to the house and decide to remove it, simply cutting it down may not completely solve the problem. Some species can send up new shoots from the stump or root system after being cut. Stump grinding or treatment with an approved stump-killing product can help prevent regrowth. Copper sulfate has been used for root control in some situations, but there are often more effective products specifically designed for stump treatment.
One common misconception is that most of a tree exists underground. While that's not literally true, tree roots often spread much farther than people realize. In many species, roots can extend two to three times beyond the tree's canopy, and approximately 80–90% of the root system is found within the top 18–24 inches of soil.
The foundation isn't the only concern. Tree roots can also affect underground infrastructure, including water and sewer lines. However, roots generally don't break into healthy pipes. Instead, they are attracted to moisture and can enter through existing cracks, loose joints, or damaged sections of pipe. Older homes with clay sewer lines are especially vulnerable because those pipes often develop separations over time. Modern PVC and SDR-35 sewer lines with properly glued joints are much more resistant to root intrusion, although no system is completely immune if damage occurs.
One tree that deserves special consideration is the aspen. Aspens are beautiful, but they have aggressive, shallow root systems and commonly spread through root suckers. In fact, entire groves of aspens can be connected through a shared root network. The famous aspen colony known as Pando is considered one of the largest and oldest living organisms on Earth. Because aspens aggressively seek water and spread underground, they should be planted well away from foundations, sewer lines, septic systems, and other underground utilities.
The bottom line is simple: think twice before planting a tree close to your home. A little planning today can save thousands of dollars in foundation repairs, plumbing repairs, and landscaping headaches in the future.
Thanks for listening to my Saturday morning rant, and have a fantabulous day!
🌳🏡☀️
