Trees display a variety of outward symptoms that indicate a need for removal. Signs such as unnatural leaning, damaged limbs, or trunk, and/or rotted portions is when you call an arborist. But just as one should not judge a book by its cover, remember that more than a tree’s visible parts affect its health.
If you are concerned about the status of a tree on your property – including issues stemming from its roots – reach out to Timber Works Tree Care. Our team provides professional and affordable tree care options. Specifically, our tree trimming, stump removal, land clearing, and tree removal services are in high demand in Delaplane and across Northern Virginia. Clients appreciate the dedication and expertise that we bring to every project. Plus, our certified arborists begin each estimate by inspecting your trees and determining whether trimming may preserve them. They remove trees only when necessary.
Below, we discuss the dangers that overgrown roots present and how they can make tree removal necessary:
Root of the Problems
Roots provide trees with many of their basic living necessities: water, oxygen, and minerals. All these things come from the soil, and its conditions affect root growth. So, a change in the soil’s conditions will affect the tree – and vice versa.
Several factors can influence these conditions: contaminants, heavy traffic, buildings, and so on. Although these are human-driven causes, people generally do not intend or realize their influence. Thus, our tree experts strive to teach our customers about proper tree care.
The majority of a tree’s roots exist in the upper 18”-24” of soil around it, including an essential layer of tiny ones just beneath the surface. This proximity makes pruning roots tricky: cut too much, and you risk losing the tree. Cut too little, and their growth may cause several issues.
Structural Hazards
First and foremost, overgrown tree roots can disrupt nearby structures. They may:
- Damage or block pipes: though roots rarely break pipes, their growth can shift pipes’ positions and damage them. Plus, slight pipe ruptures release water and nutrients, which support further root growth.
- Lift or crack sidewalks/pavement: anyone who has walked along a city block with large trees will have seen uneven concrete slabs upset by root growth beneath them. Roots can also crack or break sidewalks and paved roads.
- Undermine foundations: while several events threaten buildings’ foundations, roots are occasional culprits. Small roots can grow into cracks but never cause significant damage. Roots may, however, soak water away from soil and lead to house settling.
Landscape Hazards
Overgrown roots may also create hazards in your yard/property. Despite their natural causes, these dangers are still harmful:
- Surfacing roots: given their adjacent position to the surface, roots can sometimes break aboveground. They become both tripping and lawn care hazards. It is a particular problem for areas prone to soil erosion and another reason to let professionals handle storm-damaged trees.
- Exposure from regrading: a regular part of any lawn and landscape care, regrading can significantly change the surface of your yard. It may expose overgrown roots or cover previously-exposed ones and allow them to grow further. Either case can result in more surface roots.
Yet, despite these dangers, pruning tree roots is a complex process. An amateur may mistakenly remove key root systems and end up harming or killing the tree. Thus, a certified arborist should be called in for such tree management.
Trusted & Affordable Tree Removal Service Available in Delaplane, VA
Whether you suspect that one of your trees presents a danger or notice one that is down in your yard, call the tree care experts at Timber Works. We offer mulching, stump grinding, emergency removal, and standard tree removal services. Delaplane and Northern Virginia residents trust us with their landscaping needs, and now we can help you. Call us today at (540) 692-9606 or fill out our online form.
