Trees have the ability to bring beauty and shade to your property, but when they are planted too close to your home, they can cause more harm than good. In a place like Fort Worth & Dallas, TX, expansive clay soil is very common. This type of clay soil is reactive to moisture and requires strategic tree placement. Most homeowners must understand the risk of improper planting and take measures to avoid foundation damage. In this blog, we’ll help you make informed decisions to protect both your landscaping and your home’s foundation.
Risks of Planting Trees Too Close to Your Home
Trees offer shade, curb appeal, and a place to mount a tire swing. Placing them too close to your home can cause significant structural issues over time and cause damage to any concrete nearby. Here are some risks to consider:
- Roots are getting into the foundation
Roots may penetrate the cracks and cause a shift in the soil beneath the foundation. If not treated, it may shift the foundation. - Soil displacement and erosion
Roots tend to suck up moisture in the surrounding area. This causes it to dry out the surrounding soil, making the soil unstable and possibly causing erosion. - Excessive moisture or dryness beneath the home
Trees absorb large amounts of water. During the summer, this causes the soil to contract, causing less water to be present. Then, when moisture levels increase, a shrink-swell cycle occurs, damaging the foundation. - Structural cracks and instability
Over time, these changes can result in cracked walls, sloping floors, and misaligned door and window frames.
Why Tree Roots Are a Foundation Threat in Dallas and Fort Worth Soil
Dallas and Fort Worth soil is the clay-heavy variety, which is reactive to moisture levels. When dry, it gets smaller, similar to a deflated balloon, causing the ground beneath homes to settle. Then, when moisture is introduced, the soil expands like a balloon against the foundation. Trees make this problem worse. As they absorb moisture from the soil, they dry out the ground beneath and around your home, causing it to shrink.
Additionally, the roots can seek out cracks and voids in the foundation for moisture, accelerating the erosion process and causing structural deterioration. The soil imbalance can continue once a tree is removed, requiring professional soil stabilization to restore balance. Understanding this interaction is crucial to prevent damage to your foundation in Dallas and Fort Worth.
How Far Should You Plant Trees from Your Home in Dallas?
To avoid damaging your home, you should plant trees a safe distance from your home. While guidelines vary depending on the type of tree you plan to plant and the type of soil you live in, consider this advice:
Small to medium trees
This size of tree would be your run-of-the-mill lime or orange tree. These should be planted at least 15 feet away from your house.
Large trees (over 30 feet tall)
Consider the maximum height of the tree. A good rule of thumb is to have the tree as tall as it gets. Tree roots often match the height of the tree. If you plant multiple trees, consider spacing the trees 35 feet apart to prevent overlapping root systems that may cause damage to the soil. Consult with your nursery to get more information about the root spread of your tree. The roots can extend 2–3 times beyond the canopy.
These safe planting distances help reduce the chances of root intrusion and allow your trees to grow without interfering with your home’s foundation.
Common Tree Species and Their Root Behavior in North Texas
Different tree species have different root growth patterns, and understanding these can help you make smarter planting choices:
Live Oak and Shumard Oak
Beautiful and long-lived, but their wide-reaching roots make them poor choices for close planting.
Red Maple
Fast-growing and popular in Dallas, but it needs ample spacing due to its spreading root system.
Crape Myrtle
A safer option for closer planting due to its smaller, less invasive root structure.
What to Do if a Tree Is Already Too Close to the House
If you already have a tree growing near your foundation, don’t panic. You need to act quickly so it doesn’t damage your foundation. Here are the steps you should take:
- Inspect for damage: Look for cracks, floor sloping, or sticking doors and windows in the area where the tree was planted.
- Consult a certified arborist: They can assess whether the tree poses a risk or is already causing structural issues.
- Schedule a foundation inspection: If you’re in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Maestro’s Foundation Repair offers free, professional assessments.
- Evaluate root barriers or removal: In some cases, installing a root barrier or strategic pruning may be sufficient. In more severe situations, removal might be the safest option.
Ignoring the problem can lead to compounding issues, including expensive repairs. Addressing it early can save money and preserve the integrity of both your landscaping and your home. If you notice the your foundation has been impacted by a tree. Contact Maestros Foundation Repair to help correct the issue.