How Tree Roots Can Damage Your Home’s Foundation

Most people love having trees in their yard. They give shade, make your home look nice, and even help cool things down. But not all tree growth is good. Some trees can quietly damage your home’s foundation without you even knowing it.

How Can Tree Roots Affect Your Foundation?

Tree roots grow outward in search of water and nutrients. When trees are planted too close to a home, their roots can stretch underneath the foundation and lead to major structural problems.

One way tree roots cause damage is by drawing moisture out of the surrounding soil. As the roots absorb water, the soil begins to dry out and shrink. This shrinking creates empty spaces beneath the foundation, which can cause it to settle unevenly or sink in certain areas.

In addition to drying the soil, roots can also press directly against the stem wall of your home. This pressure may lead to cracks in the concrete, especially in older or already weakened foundations. Over time, this movement can affect the entire structure causing walls to crack, floors to slope, and doors or windows to stick or stop working altogether. Identifying these issues early through a foundation inspection can prevent costly repairs later.

What Are the Signs of Tree Root Damage?

You don’t need to be an expert to spot early signs of foundation shifting. Some symptoms you might see include:

• cracks in walls, floors, or the stem wall outside
• doors that are hard to close or stay open
• windows that stick or won’t slide smoothly
• uneven or sloping floors
• tree roots that are visible near the foundation

These problems often mean the soil under your home is moving, something Concrete Repairman checks carefully during every inspection.

What Trees Are Most Likely to Cause Damage?

Not all trees are the same when it comes to root growth. Some of the most aggressive species include:

• mesquite
• willow
• mulberry
• cottonwood
• palo verde

These trees have fast-growing roots that can spread wide and deep. Even if you planted them far from your home, their roots might still reach your foundation.

If these trees are already on your property, don’t panic. It just means that regular foundation inspection is even more important for your home.

Why Is Foundation Inspection Important?

A foundation inspection is one of the smartest steps a homeowner can take to protect their property. It allows problems to be caught early before they become serious, costly, and dangerous. At Concrete Repairman, our trusted foundation inspectors are trained to spot issues that most people would miss. These include small shifts in soil, the subtle effects of tree root growth, and fine cracks that could indicate deeper structural trouble.

Our inspection process starts with evaluating the soil around your home, especially near large trees. Roots that extend under your home can change the soil’s moisture levels, making it shrink or swell unevenly. This movement often leads to cracks in the slab or signs of settling.

We also take a close look at your stem wall to check for cracking, moisture damage, or pressure from expanding roots. Even small signs of damage on the surface can point to much bigger problems below. Our team checks for shifting under the slab, uneven support, and moisture loss caused by invasive root systems.

By identifying these concerns early, we help prevent damage from getting worse and more expensive. A thorough inspection from Concrete Repairman gives you peace of mind and a clear plan to protect your home’s foundation and long-term value.

How Can You Prevent Tree Root Foundation Damage?

Prevention starts with smart planting and regular maintenance:

• Plant trees at least 15–20 feet from your home.
• Water your trees and soil evenly so roots don’t “chase” moisture.
• Trim roots near the house if needed (ask a professional arborist).
• Use root barriers to redirect root growth
• Schedule regular foundation inspections

By staying ahead of the problem, you can stop damage before it starts.

Schedule a Foundation Inspection Today

Tree roots may be silent, but the damage they cause isn’t. If you’ve seen cracks, sloping floors, or roots near your foundation, it’s time to call in the pros. At Concrete Repairman, our foundation inspectors know exactly how Arizona soil, trees, and structures interact, and how to stop issues early.

Call us today at (480) 725-7614 to schedule your expert foundation inspection. Protect your home from root damage before it costs you more.