![]() ![]() It is best to prune back or entirely remove the branches that cause the problem… and that can detract from the tree’s overall appearance. The branches of the tree can rub against the building’s walls or roof, especially on a windy day, and that is not good for the tree or the house. Branches shouldn’t be allowed to rub against walls or roofs. But there are other factors to consider when a tree grows near a house. Under normal circumstances, therefore, the presence of a tree near a house doesn’t harm the foundation. ![]() If drought is an annual occurrence, it would probably be worthwhile biting the bullet and replacing the clay backfill with sand or gravel… and maybe taking the contractor to court if he can be found! And if there is a severe drought and you know your foundation is surrounded by clay, it would be wise to water the soil near the foundation (a soaker hose would be appropriate) whether a tree grows there or not. This kind of cracking can largely be avoided by letting some rainwater seep into the soil near the foundation rather than draining it all away. But this problem has turned up in some developments where norms were not followed. Sand or gravel are far more commonly used. Note too that no self-respecting contractor would use clay to backfill a foundation. Note that this will happen even if there are no trees nearby, but that the presence of a tree can exacerbate the situation. If that occurs, the wall is no longer held in place by a mass of soil, can expand outwards and may then crack. This causes the soil mass to shrink and pull away from the foundation. During periods of deep drought, the roots of a tree planted near the foundation wall will tend to dry out the soil as they look for the last drops they need for their survival. However, a problem can occur when the soil used to backfill the foundation walls is clay. So, no, roots will not penetrate the cracks a foundation and are even less likely to create any. Also, roots have no affinity for concrete which is naturally dry and also very alkaline and will instead, again, head away from it. The result is that, when a tree starts to grow near a foundation, whether it was planted there or sprouted there on its own, the majority of its roots will grow away from the foundation, toward the moister soil nearby. Also, a foundation generates heat, even in summer, drying out the soil next to it. And the soil immediately next to a foundation is usually very dry, even more so if there is a roof overhang, as that means little rain reaches it. They will grow towards moisture, but stop growing entirely if the soil is completely dry. It’s important to understand that tree roots actively seek moisture in the soil. ![]() Obviously this would be of concern to any homeowner. Popular opinion has it that this can cause cracks in the foundation and that the roots of the tree will actually penetrate the concrete, then expand and cause it to crack. I often get questions about the trees that grow right next to a house. ![]()
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