6 Trees with Invasive Roots That May be Damaging Your Property!
Do you have any trees on your property that you’re not sure about? It’s important to be aware of the potential dangers these trees may pose to your home and property. Many trees have invasive root systems that can damage sidewalks, foundations, and even underground pipes! In this article, we’ll take a look at five common Australian trees with invasive roots. We’ll also discuss how to go about removing them if they are causing problems on your property.
What are Invasive Roots?
Invasive roots are root systems which make their way into and under properties and infrastructure, causing damage and significant disruption. This includes:
- Displacing and causing uneven sidewalks, this includes cracks, buckling, and mounds.
- Infiltrating and blocking sewage & drainage lines, which can lead to adverse health issues.
- Roots can work their way into, under and around the foundation of any home or building, leading to cracks, warping and can cause serious problems to the structural stability of your home or building.
- The Root system does not just stay on your property, it can spread to neighbouring properties causing the aforementioned problems to them.
Willow (Salix)
The First Tree we’ll discuss is the Willow (Salix) tree. These trees are easily recognisable with their bright green foliage and long, thin branches that hang down from the structure of the tree. Willows can grow to over 30m wide and 30m tall. The root system of this tree is shallow and very aggressive, often reaching up to five times the width of the canopy. As such, they’re a major threat to infrastructure such as sidewalks, driveways and building foundations.
Liquidambar
The Second Tree on our list is the Liquidambar. This tree is identifiable by its attractive leaves and pyramidal shape. It can grow between 20-25m tall and wide, making it a very large tree. The root system of this tree is very aggressive, and can grow up to five times the width of the canopy. It’s also known for its ability to invade and block sewage and drainage lines, as well as cause other damage to property.
Camphor Laurel
The Third Tree with invasive roots is the Camphor Laurel (Cinnamomum camphora). This tree is identifiable by its leathery, dark green leaves and smooth bark. It can grow up to 30m tall and wide, making it a very large tree. The root system of this species is incredibly aggressive, with the lateral roots often reaching out five times the width of the canopy.
The Paperbark
The fourth tree on our list is the Paperbark (Melaleuca quinquenervia). This evergreen species has a weeping habit and grows rapidly, reaching heights of up to 20 metres in just a few years. Its roots spread wide and deep, often causing significant damage to roadside curbs, underground pipes, footpaths, driveways, and foundations.
The Lomandra Longifolia
The fifth tree is in fact not a tree at all! The Lomandra Longifolia (Lomandra longifolia). Is a perennial herb that can reach up to a metre in height. This relatively small plant is a drought resistant shrub, which means it likes to spread its roots wide and deep in order to soak up as much water as possible, often causing significant damage to underground pipes, footpaths, driveways, and foundations.
The White Poplar
The sixth tree you may come across is the White Poplar (Populus Alba) tree. These trees are striking for their pale almost silver bark and leaves. Make no mistake however, this deciduous tree has a spreading crown that can reach up to 20 metres in height. It is notorious for its extremely invasive root system which spreads wide and shallow, often creating havoc by lifting or cracking pavements and footpaths.
What Should You Do?
If you have any of these trees on your property – or suspect that they may be present – it is If you suspect that any of these trees are causing damage to your property, it is important to get them inspected by one of our Qualified Arborists to ensure they are not a threat to your home or garden then removed as soon as possible. Plateau Trees has extensive experience in tree removal of all types and on all properties. We do our work while minimising any damage done to the land, ensuring that it is filled and levelled, ready for whatever may come next.
Overall, it’s important to be aware of the potential dangers associated with trees with invasive roots. By understanding which species are susceptible to these problems and taking preventive measures to keep them from damaging your property, you can rest assured that your home and the surrounding area will remain safe.
By being aware of the potential danger of these five Australian trees, you can protect your property from costly damages caused by their invasive roots! So don’t wait – make sure you know what’s growing on your property and take the necessary steps to keep it safe.