It seems that when a pipe is damaged it’s almost always associated with tree roots. While pipe damage does occur due to many other factors, tree roots are one factor that you as a homeowner can have some level of control regarding prevention. Tree roots love to grow around pipes, as trees need water, minerals, and nutrients, and seem to sense that pipes carry those needs. Unfortunately, tree roots can break pipes, reduce or block the flow, or worsen pre-existing cracks/holes in pipes. Since tree roots are underground, it is often impossible to see when a root system is threatening your pipes, and often you may not know that anything is wrong until problems begin to manifest.
Tree root prevention is the best way to keep your pipes safe. You can install preventive growth barriers or choose to plant trees that won’t damage your pipes or pose a reduced threat. Those trees are
1) Cherry
2) Fruit Varieties
3) Dogwood
Avoiding trees with strong and fast-growing roots can help prevent pipe damage. If these fast-growing trees are already planted on your property scheduling regular inspections to stay alert about any possible changes. The following trees are best to avoid planting near pipes:
1) Weeping Willow
2) Aspen
3) Oak
4) Sycamore