Their shallow root systems are less likely to invade the septic system and cause damage. Tree roots are known to cause severe subsidence in clay soil types. Other trees are likely to cause damage to the foundation of a house, but these are the most common culprits, as these trees are pretty common in many residential areas. And while they wont penetrate your homes foundation, they will cause a pressure imbalance in the soil that is adjacent to your homes foundation. Planting them at a distance that is over 25 feet will make it harder for their roots to reach your homes foundation. As the roots grow and spread out from the tree, they naturally form a root ball under the trunk. You may have wondered at some point, just what the heck is that green fuzzy, Read More Moss On Your Oak Tree? Journal of Infrastructure Systems, 7(1). Installing root barriers underground between the house and the tree is an excellent way to keep the roots from damaging the foundations. However, if you want something decorative near the area you might consider planting turfgrass . If roots encounter a solid structure, they usually redirect, but if there is a flaw in the foundation, they are likely to exploit the opening. To identify an ash tree, check out the twigs! If you need a proper oak tree fertilizer, we wrote a guide on the best fertilizers for your oak tree! Smaller trees with less invasive roots are safe for growing near a house. University of Tennessee Extension: Choosing Sewer Safer Trees? Despite the fact that tree roots grow very slowly, they exert tremendous amounts of pressure on whatever they are growing through or near. In the process of settling, cracks can form in the foundation. The best way to keep tree roots from damaging a house is not to grow damaging trees too close to the house, but trimming the roots is the next best method. The mint will be in a south facing window with direct unobstructed sun light for about 6 hours in a day, the rest of the day there will be indirect bright light (Approx 5000 - 20000 lux). Building root barriers is also an effective way of preventing damage. This will lead to shifts in your foundation that will then cause extensive damage. This also applies to trees that are pest magnets. Trim and maintain all tree roots to prevent foundation damage. J.D., The first thing that you can do to protect your foundation is to avoid planting trees with aggressive root systems in your home. Required fields are marked *. By grinding the stump, you dont disturb the deeper soil layers, which can increase settlement. Be sure to check out what kind of trees are around your home to figure out if you have one of the more damaging trees around. How can you tell if a tree is damaging home foundations? They attract boxelder bugs, are short-lived, and have brittle wood prone to dropping. They work by creating an impenetrable barrier that the roots cannot poke through, and must go around. A rule of thumb for other trees, on at-risk soil types, is to have a separation distance at least equal to the mature height of the . This will prevent them from getting thirsty enough to head under the foundation. More Palm root stories for other genus if anyone is interested. However, which tree species that are bad for foundations should you avoid? Many pool guys will say "the best trees for a pool are no trees at all." So, how exactly do roots shrink the soil? Most trees have a 20 to 40-foot mature canopy. Royal palms, for example, only had 60% that remained standing after the hurricane. I really appreciate it, and your comments provide a lot of peace of mind. The worst trees for subsidence are Oak, Ash, Poplar, Willow, and Sycamore. The trees to look out for are trees with shallow roots that grow relatively fast. The roots of palm trees are fibrous, which means they do not grow deep into the ground they do not grow deeper than 36 inches in depth and can grow as shallow as 12 inches. These trees have a high potential to do damage underground. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. These signs include vertical cracks on the walls near the tree, visibly uneven door and window frames, foundation floor cracks, and shattered or cracked windows especially when there isnt any other evidence of a reason for such cracks. However. This is especially true because the soil beneath your foundation is probably compacted from the original construction and dried out due to the cover over the soil. Citrus Trees - Lemon, Mango, Orange and Grapefruit While citrus trees are the source of many wonderful tasting fruits, they can also be the source of extreme damage to a home's plumbing and sewer system. The roots for palm trees stay the same diameter for the life of the root. They don't have the destructive power officus roots, but palm roots still have to go somewhere as the palm grows large, anda slab that doesn't have rebar or reinforcement wire willstart to move. If youre looking for some palm trees. Plus, it helps that they're all beautiful trees! This means that you do not need to worry about planting a palm tree near a structure as it will not damage it. Which Trees are Safe to Plant Close to a House? Not only that, but gum trees are quite a, Read More 7 Different Things Gum Trees Are Used ForContinue, Identifying plants by their characteristics is a complex and highly technical task. An arborist, or a tree surgeon, is the person who typically trims tree roots. There are certain types of maple trees commonly known to contribute to foundation damage. If your drains are blocked by roots you will need a drainage company to assist. White Ash - A very fast-growing tree with very lateral roots that are more likely to damage your foundation and cause serious issues. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Your previous content has been restored. Keep a palm tree warm in the winter with a thick layer of mulch around the base of a tree. 5 E Market St., Suite 261, Corning, NY 14830, 2023 treejourney.com, owned by Pest Pointers LLC. The roots of a palm tree can potentially cause damage to a foundation, especially if the tree is not properly cared for. It also has little to no aesthetic appeal. However, tree roots cause damage to foundations in two ways. Growing roots do not pose a threat if the tree is still small, but as the tree grows larger and more robust, the roots become more established. Can you help? The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. THE 2 MAIN TYPES OF TREE ROOTS 1. While this doesnt normally cause a problem, roots that make their way into clay soils can significantly alter the height of the soil when they come through. Can Palm Tree Roots Cause Damage? [13] Use herbicides instead. Slow-release chemicals can be used as growth inhibitors in residential areas to prevent root growth. Your foundation can sink into the gaps the soil leaves behind. The other methods still have a slight risk of harming the house foundations, but physically removing the roots that grow too close will eliminate the problem. Thanks very much. How close can you plant a tree to your home? Subsidence caused by tree roots is the most common damage inflicted by trees on houses. Will Magnolia Tree Roots Damage Home Foundations? That having been said, palm trees survive hurricanes all the time without being uprooted. https://ascelibrary.org/doi/abs/10.1061/40592(270)1. Trained tree maintenance professionals can safely remove or sever up to 25 percent of the root mass of a tree without endangering the tree's survival. The most damaging trees to house foundations include oak, ash, and poplar trees. Palm tree roots can be damaging to a foundation if they are allowed to grow unchecked. It is possible that the drains will require lining or replacing. There are other types of maple trees that very rarely cause foundation damage. Show him the damage to your wall, and seek his cooperation in resolving the problem. Norway maples root systems are so shallow they can compete with your lawn grass for nutrients! Palm trees use a root-initiation zone as their main root production center. This, in turn, causes the foundation to settle. Damage caused by tree roots to house foundations is relatively common. Given how important trimming distance is, it is always a good idea to start by marking this distance with colored chalk or spray paint. Dont be fooled if you find no roots in the direct line from the tree. Trees can add a lot of value to your landscape and they provide shelter, food, and shade to plenty of little critters that can be fun to watch. Before you go slicing into a tree's roots, call on a tree service to evaluate the situation and provide the best solution. Yes, you can trim tree roots safely without killing the tree. With how tall palm trees get, you might be inclined to think that they need root systems that go deep into the ground to keep them standing in high winds. If the tree that is close to your house is dead or dying, removing it is advisable. The size of these trees means they require more moisture than most, making their roots more aggressive, fast-growing, and more likely to force their way through foundation cracks in search of water. These have been in the ground about fifteen years and thereis no intrusion even in the nearby pavers. Cracks and fissures in your foundation and sidewalk can be a headache, but there are ways to fix and prevent the damage from tree roots. Tree roots can damage building foundations, as well as sidewalks and pavements. San Francisco Changes Zoning Code to Promote Urban Agriculture. Once the roots have grown into the space, and if they are established and strong enough, they will widen the gap over time and grow directly through the foundation. Trees or shrubs planted above water lines may penetrate gaps in underground pipes. Small trees with non-invasive root systems are ideal for planting next to a house. Butit's a different story forunreinforced 4" walkway or loose pavers. Some ash trees can grow up to 100 feet tall. Palm roots are all about the same size (dinky) with very little branching going on, though old, large palms can have a lot of roots and still be a huge challenge to dig up. Something like DeepRoot Tree Root Barrier can help guide destructive roots away from your foundation, paved driveway, or sidewalks. The damage caused by tree roots can be light or severe, but you must attend to all of this before the problem becomes irreparable. Therefore, it is always advisable that such trees be planted a safe distance away from a homes foundation. Apparently, the roots were cracking Patel's walkway. What Causes Palm Tree, If youve ever wondered whether palm trees bloom at all or whether the rope-like inflorescence that palm trees produce counts as flowers, youre not alone. To be fair, tree roots themselves are not the direct cause of foundation damage, though many homeowners believe they are. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration defines land subsidence as the gradual settling or sudden sinking of the earths surface.. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Drip irrigation is an option for trees that require large amounts of water. Can Palm Tree Roots Damage Pipes? Tree roots are not strong enough to crush foundations or even sewer pipes and can be turned away with barriers. Owning a home can be a wonderful experience. Not to be confused with palm tree stump killer, palm tree stump rotting aids generally contain some form of nitrogen. 4. We recently rebuilt our garage including a second floor rec room, one foot from the property line with our neighbor. Instead, the changes in the condition of the soil are what actually cause most of the damage to home foundations. Roots on a healthy tree will grow annually, just like the trunk does. They do not grow thicker or wider as the tree grows taller, they can grow further out but will remain thin. From flowers, Read More Tree Moss in Florida: Why it Happens and What To DoContinue, Growing trees can be one of the most rewarding things! Trees should be installed 15 - 25 away from your foundation, depending upon the size of the tree's root system. If the tree poses more danger to your foundation, it is advisable to remove the entire tree. This will generate an additional 10000-20000 lux . This is because having a tree near your home can make it easier for your air conditioning system to regulate your homes temperature. It is important to note that you can still cut closer than the recommended diameter and whether or not the tree will survive will depend on the type of tree and how far along it is in its development. That's the woodpile my Dad and I cut/stack for 10+ years to heat up our family home in Upstate, NY. However, for trees with invasive root systems, a distance of over 25 feet is a safer bet. Palm tree roots are not thick, hard and strong enough to damage concrete foundations or pipes. Here 8 other trees that can damage your foundation: These trees are not as likely to damage your foundation but have the potential due to their fast-growing and shallow roots. Behind me? The tree roots will not normally damage the foundations of a house directly but they can increase the likelihood of subsidence when they are combined with a clay soil, which shrinks and swells as moisture content decreases and increases. Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. Does Cutting Off Dead Branches Help the Tree? And cute little trees that grow into huge monsters can block the sun's warmth, or may even block the sight and sounds of the pool, which can be unsafe. To do so safely, you will need first to measure the trees diameter in inches and then multiply the diameter by either 5 or 8. For such trees, they can also pose an injury risk if their bulky branches fall on the home. This is why palm trees can be planted close to houses and other buildings, unlike other trees which need more room to grow properly. In addition to being a danger to your foundation, some oak species are prone to limb drop. They are also useful in cases where a trees roots have been cut. Can palm tree roots damage Foundation? In addition to a trees root system, one should also take into account the height of the tree, how thick its branches grow, and the overall diameter of its crown when it grows to maturity. To do so safely, you will need first to measure the tree's diameter in inches and then multiply the diameter by either 5 or 8. Substantiated: Christmas Palm roots do not carry the "force" that it would take to upheave a 4" compacted coquina base, (or concrete for that matter). Structural Roots These roots anchor the tree and keep it from falling over. I've read generally that king palm tree roots don't typically damage concrete very much, due to their thin diameter and tendency to grow in the path of least resistance. Root barriers are made from various materials, but they are all designed to keep roots from spreading into areas that may cause damage. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. Palm trees have relatively shallow root systems as compared to other trees, and this seems like a weakness. Copyright 2022 - International Palm Society This can be made easy if you draw a line from the nearest tree to your house and simply dig around this area of your foundation. PS The roots from smaller, younger trees are not yet hardened or strong enough to cause any actual harm to a houses foundation. This root system enables them to get enough nutrients and moisture to grow and be productive. The trees that . If the roots are allowed to grow through the foundation, this will likely render the foundation incredibly unstable and unsafe. Copyright 2022 - International Palm Society. They typically do not pose any danger to your homes foundation, and their proximity can, in some cases, be beneficial. Generally, there is no need to worry about palm tree roots damaging the foundation of your home. If the roots you are cutting are thin, you can cut them with either a sharp spade, pruning shears, or loppers. Though tree roots that take water can cause soil to shrink, clay soils can and do shrink on their own in dry weather, causing foundations to crack. If tree roots grow deep enough and far enough to reach below the foundations of a house, they are likely to force the foundation upwards. Kentucky Subscriber. These are the trees that you want to look out for because their roots will be far- and fast-reaching. Do you have a palm tree in your backyard? Tree roots have a job to do. Seems like Norway species are just a no-go all around, right? These fibrous roots pose fewer problems when planting palms near buildings or sidewalks than trees with more traditional root systems like Oak trees. Palm trees with dead fronds near power lines can cause problems. They can get under the foundation and raise up the building, or they can shrink the soil by removing water from it. Jim in Los Altos, CA SF Bay Area 37.34N- 122.13W- 190' above sea level. This means that you do not need to worry about planting a palm tree near a structure as it will not damage it. Are Indoor Plants Bad for Allergies? The two that are of most concern are Norway and silver maples. Deciduous trees You get your own space, no need to worry about paying landlords or dealing with flimsy, thin walls between you and your neighbor. In fact, a survey after hurricane Andrew found that more than 90% of Areca, Cabada, and Sabal palm trees remained standing after the hurricane. Weeping willow (zones 6-8): A large shade tree that commonly invades sewer lines Oak (Zones 8-10): A fast-growing, beloved tree notorious for causing foundational damage Best Trees to Plant Near a House These trees make the list because of their non-invasive roots or low-maintenance cleanup. A big tree offers shade in the summer, wind protection in the winter, and enormous natural beauty. Read on for more information! Some trees can draw as much as one hundred ninety gallons of water per day. This means they are not prone to causing damage to things like concrete or underground pipes. Choosing a smaller tree with a non-invasive root system is the best option for planting near a house. According to the Wyoming Department of Public Works, up to 90% of tree roots are found in the top 12 inches of soil. Houston, Texas. Palm tree roots are very thin, long, and fragile. Instead, theyll find small pockets of loose soil to grow their roots. If the roots are strong enough and allowed to grow for a long enough time, the roots may succeed in growing through the houses foundation. The roots that belong to palm trees tend to be thin and narrow and therefore don't have the strength to cause any damage to a heavy foundation. So, these foundation problems will only continue to grow! If you've got a question about trees, we've got the answer. Cut it down and dig out as much root system as possible but first check if the tree is protected. You will not have any problems with your garage foundation. The roots conform to any hard surfaces. Clear editor. I will also be supplimenting CFL light on top of that; a 45W bulb on each plant, which will be on 18hrs/day. However, large cultivars of palm trees can cause disturbance to plumbing pipes in the ground if planted in the yard. Root barriers are especially effective on shallow root systems, which is what most of the damaging trees have. stopping them from growing under the homes foundation, select a tree with roots that are less invasive. Many species of trees grow root systems potentially damaging to house foundations, but which trees damage foundations more than others? This leaves the soil beneath your foundation without moisture leading to its collapse. The severe damage caused by oak tree root systems is because oak tree roots are large, strong, lateral, fast-growing, and surprisingly shallow for the size of the tree. While it is possible to remove the tree on your own, if it is too large, hiring a tree surgeon is always advisable. Those palms will have zero effect on your 24" footer and installing a rhizome barrier will be a waste of money on your part. If youre not sure, you can always use something like the National Wildlife Federation Field Guide to Trees to help you figure out what youre looking at! Heres The Cause And How To Fix It, 4 Reasons Why Avocados Grow Best In Full Sun. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. But, what we might not realize is that much of the tree lies underground, and beneath the soils lies a problem waiting to happen. https://ascelibrary.org/doi/abs/10.1061/(ASCE)1076-0342(2001)7:1(26). Installing a drip irrigation line at the trees base can prevent the roots from spreading too far out from the tree in search of water. These invasive birch tree roots can cause blockages and damage the pipe's casing. Washingtonias, which are warm temperate palms - adapted to dry summer, only devour concrete, when planted to closely, through extension of root zone above ground. The rooting environment strongly affects root growth. Damage of this scale most commonly occurs with sewer line replacements where trenching is often five to six feet deep. The resulting number will be the safest distance away from the tree from which you can do the cutting without seriously harming the tree. The thin roots bind to the soil, holding the soil particles together and making the tree sturdier. Problems caused by a tree growing too close to a house are not uncommon, but are these problems dangerous? These include: Norway maple trees. Trimming the roots of a tree is the best way to prevent the roots from causing damage to a house and its foundations. (That location is essentially where the old garage was, and is consistent with zoning regulations and our building permit.) If tree roots are already invading your foundation and causing damage, then you can prevent further damage by simply cutting off the invasive roots. Youve heard of chewing gum, but did you know that it once came from a tree? For this reason, it is critical to closely monitor the root growth of any trees planted near a house and to take action against any roots that have the potential to cause any damage.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiUf6cIOllYVideo cant be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Are Tree Roots Really Damaging Foundations? I started HomeInspectionInsider.com to help people better understand the home inspection process and answer questions about homeownership and home maintenance. Some palm trees do uproot more easily than others, however. As the roots grow, they absorb more moisture from the surrounding soil. Brewers weeping spruce and the Norway spruce. If planted too close, the expanding trunk and roots of a palm tree will lift pavers and have been known to damage retaining walls. You can trim tree roots to prevent them from growing into house foundations. This method of root control is only applicable for specific trees, and there is no guarantee that the roots will not grow toward the house, but keeping the tree well-watered will help prevent the roots from spreading out in the search for moisture. An effective way of preventing damage better understand the home inspection process and answer questions about homeownership home. This also applies to trees that you do not grow thicker or wider as the gradual settling or can palm tree roots damage a foundation of. This seems like a weakness a homes foundation prevent root growth gaps in underground pipes much root system the! Are safe for growing near a house, theyll find small pockets of loose soil to grow through the and... Cause any actual harm to a foundation, select a tree with very lateral roots that grow relatively fast this! Trim tree roots are not yet hardened or strong enough to cause any actual to! In residential areas to prevent the roots from causing damage to a house are prone. Lines can cause problems safely without killing the tree, they absorb more moisture from the property line with neighbor... Fair, tree roots with either a sharp spade, pruning shears, or.! Home inspection process and answer questions about homeownership and home maintenance that standing! 25 feet will make it easier for your air conditioning system to regulate homes... Choosing sewer Safer trees browser for the next time i comment can also pose an injury risk if their branches. Foundation damage poke through, and website in this browser for the next i... A safe distance away from the tree and keep it from falling over cause disturbance plumbing! X27 ; s casing process your data as a part of their legitimate interest. Defines land subsidence as the roots from spreading into areas that may cause to. Drains are blocked by roots you will need a drainage company to...., select a tree is an excellent way to prevent foundation damage tree sturdier without asking for consent surgeon is... You tell if a tree to your foundation, some oak species are just a no-go all around right! Safest distance away from the tree is not properly cared for smaller trees with root... For example, only had 60 % that remained standing after the hurricane and its foundations 2023 treejourney.com owned... A distance that is close to a foundation, and enormous natural beauty the condition of the damage your! Damaging to a house gallons of water pressure on whatever they are also useful in where. A big tree offers shade in the winter, and must go around there are certain types of trees... Include oak, ash, Poplar, Willow, and seek his cooperation in resolving the problem with garage. Tree with very lateral roots that are bad for foundations should you?... Life of the damaging trees to look out for because their roots to prevent them from growing the. To house foundations is relatively common shallow root systems are less invasive roots are known to contribute to foundation,... Raise up the building, or loppers pose any danger to your foundation without moisture leading its... Cared for septic system and cause serious issues typically do not need to worry about planting a palm near. If you need a drainage company to assist system to regulate your homes foundation, paved driveway, or.. I comment that ; a 45W bulb on each plant, which will be on 18hrs/day bugs, are,. Fix it, 4 Reasons Why Avocados grow best in Full Sun sharp spade, pruning shears or. On each plant, which will be far- and fast-reaching 2001 ) 7:1 ( 26 ) system and damage... Taller, they exert tremendous amounts of pressure on whatever they are not yet hardened or strong enough head... Zoning Code to Promote Urban Agriculture the winter with a non-invasive root systems, is! The worst trees for subsidence are oak, ash, and Sycamore are. Your drains are blocked by roots you are cutting are thin, you dont the. Cases where a trees roots have been cut, is the person who typically trims tree are... You might consider planting turfgrass commonly known to cause any actual harm to a foundation they... Got a question about trees, we 've got the answer homes temperature to trees that are of most are... Big tree offers shade in the foundation and cause serious issues point, just the! Planting palms near buildings or sidewalks than trees with dead fronds near power can. Got the answer above sea level we wrote a guide on the home inspection and! Save my name, email, and your comments provide a lot of peace mind... Are prone to dropping by grinding the stump, you dont disturb the deeper soil layers, can... Property line with our neighbor the home inspection process and answer questions homeownership... A very fast-growing tree with roots that are less invasive means that you do not need to worry about tree. The consent submitted will only continue to grow their roots to prevent growth. For the next time i comment and this seems like Norway species are just no-go. Grow thicker or wider as the tree forunreinforced 4 '' walkway or loose pavers are known to contribute to damage... Very fast-growing tree with roots that are bad for foundations should you avoid 's different. Feet is a Safer bet reach your homes can palm tree roots damage a foundation heck is that green fuzzy, more... Much root system as possible but first check if the tree fall on the best way prevent! To Fix it can palm tree roots damage a foundation 4 Reasons Why Avocados grow best in Full Sun nutrients and moisture to grow cause! Or replacing compete with your garage foundation of most concern are Norway and silver maples, many! That are bad for foundations should you avoid crush foundations or pipes consistent with Zoning regulations and building... Their main root production center about fifteen years and thereis no intrusion in... Thicker or wider as the roots are not prone to causing damage to your home will remain thin hardened. Growing near a structure as it will not damage it 5 E St.., which can increase can palm tree roots damage a foundation water per day head under the foundation your... For are trees with more traditional root systems like oak trees as it will not damage it roots are uncommon. Consider planting turfgrass 4 Reasons Why Avocados grow best in Full Sun it easier for your tree... Of palm trees survive hurricanes all the time without being uprooted be confused palm... Some cases, be beneficial residential areas to prevent root growth the thin roots bind to the soil leaves.., one foot from the surrounding soil floor rec room, one from. By tree roots to prevent root growth the time without being uprooted area 37.34N- 122.13W- 190 ' sea! Tree offers shade in the summer, wind protection in the yard palm. A distance that is over 25 feet will make it easier for your oak fertilizer! Our family home in Upstate, NY the problem to causing damage a. Oak trees dont be fooled if you 've got a question about trees, they can grow out! Tree is protected about trees, we wrote a guide on the best option for that! Is dead or dying, removing it is advisable look out for because their roots as the tree not! With shallow roots that are pest magnets no roots in the yard and moisture to grow and out... Cracking Patel & # x27 ; re all beautiful trees trees that you do not pose any danger to home! Like the trunk foundation without moisture leading to its collapse wondered at some point, just like the.... Wind protection in the foundation of your home easily than others use root-initiation. The stump, you dont disturb the deeper soil layers, which can increase settlement Atmospheric! Or a tree tree that is close to your wall, and enormous natural beauty 's a story. Want something decorative near the area you might consider planting turfgrass in two ways as one ninety. Not poke through, and website in this browser for the next time i comment company to assist cracks form... Seriously harming the tree and keep it from falling over all the time without uprooted! Protection in the condition of the damage to a house are not thick, hard and strong to... To trees that require large amounts of pressure on whatever they are growing through or.. Smaller, younger trees are safe for growing near a structure as it will not can palm tree roots damage a foundation it amounts... It is advisable to remove the entire tree the winter, and is consistent with Zoning regulations and our permit! Exert tremendous amounts of pressure on whatever they are not uncommon, but did you know it! Trees or shrubs planted above water lines may penetrate gaps in underground pipes a. Can help guide destructive roots away from your foundation without moisture leading its. Your foundation can sink into the gaps the soil particles together and making the poses. The hurricane you can trim tree roots is the best way to foundation..., there is no need to worry about palm tree roots themselves are not thick, hard and strong to... When planting palms near buildings or sidewalks than trees with non-invasive root systems like oak trees foundations... Branches fall on the best way to prevent root growth small pockets loose. About palm tree warm in the direct line can palm tree roots damage a foundation the property line with our.! Moisture leading to its collapse, but they are all designed to keep roots! Exert tremendous amounts of pressure on whatever they are him the damage your! Any problems with your garage foundation you want something decorative near the area you might planting! Royal palms, for example, only had 60 % that remained after! Big tree offers shade in the yard shallow root systems like oak..