The size of a tree is not always the most important factor when cutting it down. If it has a large, deep root system, the process will be more challenging. Roots that are wrapped around underground utility lines or running underneath your driveway require extra skill and care to excavate without causing extensive damage.
Cracks in the Home’s Foundation
If you have a tree near your house and you want to remove it, you must first figure out whether its roots are running alongside the home’s foundation. When you excavate roots that have been in place for decades, this is going to disrupt the soil, which can cause the ground to shift and settle. If enough movement occurs, it can put pressure on the foundation, potentially causing it to crack. You may even notice cracks on some of your interior walls. To avoid this problem, professionals might recommend cutting down a tree but leaving its root system in place.
Underground Pipe Issues
Roots can invade and damage underground pipes. If you start digging the roots up, the ones wrapped around your pipes will hold onto the pipes as you pull them up. This can result in cracked sewer lines and separated connections. Experts have tools to locate underground pipes and determine where the roots are growing before they start digging, which helps keep this from happening.
Driveway Lifting
When you have a tree with a root system that runs underneath your driveway, a tree expert may suggest leaving the roots in place. If you remove them, this can leave gaps in the soil beneath the concrete, which may cause the driveway to sink or crack. If there’s a need to remove the roots because they’re lifting the driveway or interfering with underground utilities, it is possible to do so, but it requires careful excavation.
Retaining Wall Collapse
It’s normal for large tree roots to become tangled in the soil surrounding a retaining wall. Over time, they may even establish themselves in a way that they add support to the wall. If you remove them in an aggressive manner, you may end up doing more harm than good, especially if the wall starts to crumble because it loses its support. When removing the roots along the retaining wall is necessary because they’re causing the wall to shift or interfering with drainage, an arborist can determine which parts to remove and which ones to leave in place.
The best way to safely remove large, deep-rooted trees is to take a look at what the roots are touching. This usually requires the use of ground-penetrating radar and underground utility locators. A tree expert will have the skills and training to use the equipment to map out the root system and identify nearby structures and utility lines before digging. When you need tree removal services in Cabat, AR, contact A&M Tree Care.
