Can A Tree Falling Cause Foundation Problems

Summertime is the time of year we can sit outside in the dry warm air  under a big Kansas City shade tree. Feeling the cool breeze in the hot summer air can spark all kinds of great memories. We enjoy the trees in summer for the shade, and transition into the Midwestern Falls where the leaves fall and create beautiful picturesque images. However, trees are beautiful until they pose issues. We have several Kansas City residents call each week asking, "Can a tree falling cause foundation problems?" The answer is yes, and especially in the Midwest when weather can change momentarily. 

What happens to trees when a storm strikes suddenly?

Storms are known to hit the Midwest during the Fall months. This can bring high winds, microburst or tornados which can cause a lot of damage to trees and power lines. Property can be damaged from storms as well. But, what can happen to a home foundation from a fallen tree? This damage may be undetected until it's in need of serious repair. If you've encountered a storm that has brought in a lot of rain, damaged trees, etc... you may want to explore a foundation assessment to make sure nothing underlying is causing issues. Companies like PierMagic in Kansas City provide free foundation repair assessments, as do many reputable and trusted foundation repair experts.

Uprooted Trees Causing Foundation Problems

As a mature tree is uprooted, the large tree can potentially cause significant damage to the foundation of a house. Think about it, a mature tree can commonly weigh anywhere from 3 ton to upwards of 5 ton.  If something with such substantial weight hits your home, it will do damage. The damage may be detected by the human eye from the outside, however there are many complexities with your home's foundation happening.

Tree roots are always searching for water and nutrients. A tree is always seeking water and nutrients. If they cannot find water they extend themselves until they can reach the moisture they need. When the roots grow the soil moves causing the dirt to become more dense. This can weaken the dirt, causing the concrete to become more uneven.

Four Ways Trees Can Impact Your Home Foundation

Again, one may ask how can a tree falling cause foundation problems. The answer is deep-rooted )see what I did there!) in that the impact of a falling tree may not be sudden. It may take a while for the roots to impact the dirt to impact the home's foundation.  A root system can spread as far under the soil as the tree is tall. If a tree is close to your house the root system can bury itself under the foundation of your home. This can do many things to your home’s foundation.

• Absorb the moisture in the soil around the foundation
• Cause soil to shrink around the property
• Cause foundation cracks
• Cause settling in around the home

When a tree falls the root systems can pull up through the ground. If anything is in the way of the root system it can disrupt that area. Damage can be found in soil, a home or concrete around the affected area. This will cause voids in the area of where the roots had grown. There are foundation repair companies that specialize in void fill and foundation repairs that are available for free assessments. Consider reaching out to a company like PierMagic to schedule an estimate and determine if your home needs immediate repairs.

Foundation Problems Due to Plants Around The House

Foundation problems caused by plantsShrubs and decorative plants can also cause issues to a foundation. During the dry season plants and shrubs will absorb all available moisture in the ground. The best thing to do as a homeowner is to add about 2 - 4 inches of mulch under the plants to help the soil maintain moisture.

Often times homeowners have plant beds around your house it is best to keep the beds watered in the hot summer months. A soaker hose would be preferred. Leave the soaker hose on for at least 30 minutes. This will feed your plants and keep the soil around your foundation moist.

We understand that many people don't consider their home's foundation when landscaping. However, just like a home remodel, it's important to assess your home's foundation anytime you consider a landscaping project.