Oak Tree Root - Ask Extension
If an oak tree is 20 feet from your house and the route is exposed and it’s heading towards your house Can it push the foundation? In my basement, I...
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Oak Tree Root #884029
Asked September 04, 2024, 12:44 PM EDT
If an oak tree is 20 feet from your house and the route is exposed and it’s heading towards your house Can it push the foundation? In my basement, I had some cracks and my husband and I thought it was from water damage , but could it be possible it’s from the tree root system? Thank you, Penny Burns
Ingham County Michigan
Expert Response
Tree roots explore outward looking for water and resources. They may take advantage of existing cracks, growing into them and making the cracks worse. They do not generally keep pressing against a solid surface, they will rather explore for a way around it. I have seen roots physically move foundations, but that was from trees allowed to grow within a few feet of the house. If the tree is involved, it is most likely taking advantage of existing weakness in the foundation.
More information:
https://www.purdue.edu/fnr/extension/question-can-tree-roots-cause-damage-to-a-homes-foundation/
