How Tree Roots Can Affect Your Foundation and Plumbing

August 1, 2025

Protecting Your Property from Underground Damage

Trees offer countless benefits: shade, privacy, curb appeal, and cleaner air. But when their roots grow unchecked, they can also become a costly threat to your property. For homeowners in the Midwest, root systems from mature or poorly placed trees can lead to serious damage below ground. Foundations can crack. Pipes can rupture. And what starts as a small root intrusion can quickly grow into a major headache.


At Midwest Tree Surgeons, we understand both the value of mature trees and the importance of protecting your home. Here is what you need to know about invasive roots and how to address them before they cause long-term damage.

Squirrel eating a nut next to a tree in a sunny park. Its grey fur and bushy tail are visible.

How Tree Roots Cause Damage

Tree roots naturally grow toward water and nutrients, which often means your underground plumbing and irrigation systems. They also extend in search of oxygen, making cracks or gaps in your foundation a prime target.


Here are the most common issues caused by root intrusion:

  • Cracked or shifting foundations: Roots do not technically “break through” solid concrete, but they can exploit existing weaknesses. Over time, the expanding pressure can worsen foundation cracks, leading to shifting or settling.
  • Broken sewer or water lines: Roots can infiltrate small openings in underground pipes, especially older clay or cast-iron systems. Once inside, they grow and block water flow or cause complete pipe collapse.
  • Damaged driveways and sidewalks: Surface-level root systems can lift concrete slabs, leading to trip hazards and costly repairs.
A green hose extends from an open manhole. A rusty, circular cover sits behind the opening.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Many homeowners miss the early indicators of root-related damage. Keep an eye out for these common warning signs:

  • Uneven floors or visible cracks in walls and ceilings
  • Slow drains or frequent plumbing backups
  • Damp or moldy spots in the basement
  • Tree roots visible above ground near the foundation
  • Bulging or cracked sidewalks and driveways


These symptoms may not always point directly to root intrusion, but they are red flags worth investigating, especially if there are large, mature trees near your home.

A crawl space with white vapor barrier on the walls and floor, wooden joists, and ductwork overhead.

Tree Types to Watch

Some trees are more aggressive than others. Species with fast-growing or wide-spreading root systems can be particularly problematic. In the Midwest, trees that commonly cause root intrusion issues include:


If you have any of these near your house, driveway, or septic system, it is worth consulting with a certified arborist about potential risks.

Cottonwood tree branch with dangling, fluffy white seed pods against green leaves.

What You Can Do

1. Consult a Professional Arborist

Do not guess when it comes to root systems. An arborist can assess the health of your trees, evaluate their placement, and determine whether roots pose a structural risk to your home.


2. Consider Strategic Tree Removal

If a tree’s roots have already infiltrated your foundation or pipes, removal may be the most cost-effective option. At Midwest Tree Surgeons, we remove hazardous trees safely and cleanly, minimizing disruption while preventing future damage.

Dark, gnarled tree roots spreading across the forest floor covered in fallen leaves, with a blurred green background.

3. Root Barrier Installation

In cases where you want to preserve a tree but protect your home, root barriers can redirect growth away from foundations and utilities. These are best installed by professionals to ensure they are properly placed and do not harm the tree.


4. Regular Monitoring

Older homes with mature trees should be inspected regularly. Preventative assessments by an arborist can catch problems early and recommend action before damage occurs.

Empty, unfinished basement with concrete block walls, exposed wooden beams, and a concrete floor. A staircase leads upwards.

Protect Your Property Without Sacrificing Tree Health

It is entirely possible to balance tree preservation with home protection if you act early and make informed decisions. Ignoring invasive roots can lead to thousands of dollars in repairs and, in extreme cases, structural instability.


At Midwest Tree Surgeons, we specialize in identifying and resolving root-related issues. Whether you need professional guidance, root pruning, or safe tree removal, our team is here to help.



Do not wait for cracks or plumbing backups to tell you something is wrong. Schedule a consultation today and protect your property from the ground up.

Exposed tree roots on forest floor covered in dry brown needles and some green grass.
A driveway leading to a detached garage with a cracked concrete surface. Autumn trees flank the sides.
A large tree with exposed roots sprawling across the ground, brown bark, and green leaves.
Moss-covered tree trunk in a forest, with a dark cavity in the base. Brown leaves cover the ground.
Tall tree with light green leaves in a park-like setting, with grass in the foreground and other trees in the background.
Moss-covered tree roots in a forest setting, with small pink flowers and green foliage scattered around the base.
Close-up of a tree trunk with deeply furrowed, dark gray bark.

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