What trees can destroy a house?

It’s hard to imagine a private courtyard without a garden. Owners usually decide to plant ornamental or fruit trees, even if the area does not differ in volume. But when making such a decision, it is necessary take into account how tall the planting grows and what the root system of an adult plant is.

The damage a tree can cause to a home

Serious Problems arise for homeowners literally after a few years after planting, if it has a powerful root system. The desire to relax in the shade can literally result in the loss of your home.

Roots primarily destroy the foundation. Moreover, concrete is easily deformed.

The root system lifts the foundation and crumbles the blind area. As a result, the ground floor or the basement is subjected to a powerful attack of roots, the sewerage and drainage system suffers. Literally, they lift the house, causing it to skew - this can be seen in the window and door openings.

How to plant correctly?

In our country, all the rules are regulated and collected in the SNiP document number 2.07.01-89. It is clearly stated here that fruit trees, the crown of which does not exceed five meters in diameter, are planted at a distance of at least the same distance, making an indentation from the wall.

For bushes it is one and a half meters from the wall.

If power cables and sewers are laid underground, move two meters away from them on each side so as not to expose them to destruction by the root system of a tree or shrub. Garden paths can also be damaged, so we recommend retreating 0.5–0.7 m.

Groundwater is of great importance. If the season was dry, they can change their flow, as a result, the roots spread over a greater distance, trying to survive. This is especially noticeable when the soil is loose and light.

The most dangerous trees for buildings

Fruit trees and shrubs are not prohibited from being planted near residential buildings if the legally recommended indentations are observed. Ornamental plants that are best not to use in horticulture:

• maple - the root system covers vast areas, takes nutrients from the soil;
• bird cherry develops a strong system spread more than 12 m from the trunk;
• ash grows quickly with powerful roots, like oak, it is difficult to remove them from the site;
• poplar - the radius of the underground part of the tree covers approximately 20 m;
• linden - it takes a couple of years to develop a root system with a volume of up to three cubic meters.

It is also not recommended to plant birch, oak, chestnut, larch, beech and elm trees on your own site. They will cause irreparable harm and do it in a short time.

If it is noticed that a tree on the site is destroying the foundation, carry out preparations before uprooting the stump. The fact is that cutting down a tree can complete the work that the tree began on its own; the foundation will crumble in your hands. Call an appraiser and inspect the foundation for signs of damage.