Tree Roots Damaging Your Property? Removal Options in NC
Learn your options for safe root removal and how to protect your home and foundation.
Tree roots are a hidden danger lurking beneath many North Carolina yards. While they play an important role in stabilizing and feeding trees, invasive or unchecked roots can cause major property damage — cracking foundations, lifting driveways, clogging pipes, and even damaging septic systems.
If you're dealing with tree root problems on your property in Alexis, NC or Gaston County, you need to act fast. The longer you wait, the worse the damage can become — and the more expensive the repairs.
At Huffstetler Tree & Lawn Services Inc., we help homeowners and businesses identify, manage, and remove damaging tree roots safely and legally. In this guide, we’ll cover:
- How to spot signs of tree root damage
- The most common areas affected (foundation, pipes, driveway)
- Your root removal options
- When full tree removal is necessary
- How to prevent future root damage
Why Tree Roots Cause So Many Problems in North Carolina
North Carolina’s clay-heavy soil and seasonal rain cycles encourage tree roots to spread wide and shallow — especially in older neighborhoods where large, established trees were planted close to homes, driveways, or sidewalks.
Common problem species in the Gaston County area include:
- Silver maple
- Sweetgum
- Bradford pear
- Willow
- Sycamore
- Poplar
These trees develop
aggressive, fast-growing roots that seek moisture and stability — and they’re not picky about where they find it.
6 Signs Tree Roots Are Damaging Your Property
1. Cracks in Your Foundation or Slab
Roots can push against a concrete foundation, especially in crawlspace or slab homes, leading to structural cracks and shifting.
2. Buckled or Uneven Driveway
Roots grow underneath concrete and asphalt, lifting or breaking slabs and causing uneven surfaces.
3. Clogged or Damaged Sewer Lines
Roots can infiltrate joints in old pipes, clogging your drainage system and leading to slow drains or backups.
4. Cracked Brick or Exterior Walls
As the ground shifts from root intrusion, pressure on exterior walls can cause cracks to appear — often diagonally from the corners.
5. Poor Lawn Drainage
Soil may become compacted by roots, causing water to pool in your yard instead of draining properly.
6. Sudden Tree Leaning or Surface Root Exposure
If large roots are exposed or you see a tree beginning to lean, roots may already be causing underground disruption.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to call for a
professional evaluation before damage worsens.
What Are Your Tree Root Removal Options?
Depending on the severity and location of the root issue, here are your primary options:
Option 1: Selective Root Pruning
- Best for
minor or early-stage damage
- Involves cutting specific roots without removing the whole tree
- Reduces further spread near structures or pipes
- Can be combined with
root barriers (see below)
Important: Root pruning must be done with caution. Cutting too many roots can destabilize the tree or kill it. We never recommend DIY root pruning near structures.
Option 2: Root Barrier Installation
- Ideal for
preventing root growth toward a home, driveway, or septic system
- Involves installing a physical underground barrier between the tree and vulnerable area
- Often used in new construction or as part of landscaping redesign
- Works best when combined with trimming or early root pruning
Option 3: Trenching and Root Excavation
- Required when
roots have already invaded sewer lines or utility trenches
- We dig a trench to expose and remove problem roots
- Useful for redirecting drainage systems or replacing damaged infrastructure
- Often requires coordination with plumbers or contractors
Option 4: Tree Removal and Full Root Extraction
- Necessary when
damage is extensive, or tree is unhealthy
- The tree is removed, stump is ground, and roots are pulled out or left to decompose
- Prevents future regrowth and property risks
- Increases real estate value and safety
Not sure which option you need? Huffstetler Tree & Lawn Services offers
free on-site evaluations in Alexis and Gaston County to determine the safest, most cost-effective plan.
When Tree Removal Is the Right Choice
Sometimes root damage is too far gone for trimming or barrier systems to work. Here are situations where complete tree removal is strongly recommended:
- Roots have already cracked or lifted your foundation
- Tree is too close to your home (less than 10 feet)
- Major plumbing or septic damage has occurred
- Tree is leaning, diseased, or at risk of falling
- Roots are visible above ground and spreading rapidly
In these cases, removing the tree prevents further financial loss and allows for repair work without the threat of regrowth.
Legal Considerations: What If the Tree Isn't Yours?
In North Carolina, the property owner is responsible for trees on their land — and also for the damage they cause.
If a neighbor’s tree roots damage your property, you may be able to:
- Request they trim or remove the roots (especially if damage is visible)
- Trim any roots that cross onto your property (but at your own risk)
- Document damage and seek recovery through civil court if needed
Important: Always speak with a certified arborist or tree removal company
before cutting roots from a neighboring tree, as it may destabilize the tree and lead to legal complications.
Local Case Example: Root Damage in Mount Holly
In early 2024, a homeowner in Mount Holly contacted Huffstetler Tree & Lawn Services after discovering cracks in their garage floor and driveway. A nearby silver maple had grown too close to the foundation, and large surface roots were clearly visible.
Our team:
- Evaluated the health and structural risk of the tree
- Removed the tree safely without damaging nearby utilities
- Coordinated with a plumber to excavate roots from the drainage system
- Installed a root barrier before regrading the yard
The homeowner avoided thousands in foundation repairs and regained peace of mind.
Preventing Future Tree Root Problems
The best way to avoid costly repairs is prevention. Here’s how to protect your home and yard:
1. Plant Trees at a Safe Distance
As a general rule, plant trees at least:
- 20 feet from foundations
- 10 feet from driveways
- 15 feet from septic tanks or leach fields
- 25 feet from underground utility lines (call 811 before digging)
2. Choose Tree Species With Less Aggressive Roots
Opt for trees like:
- Dogwood
- Eastern redbud
- Crape myrtle
- Serviceberry
- Japanese maple
Avoid planting silver maple, willow, sycamore, or poplar close to structures.
3. Schedule Regular Tree Inspections
Annual inspections from a professional tree service can catch root issues early — before they cause damage.
4. Install Root Barriers for Existing Trees
Especially useful if the tree is healthy and you want to avoid removal.
FAQs: Tree Root Damage in North Carolina
Can tree roots really damage my foundation?
Yes. Tree roots can exert enough force to crack or lift slabs — especially in clay-rich soil. They also draw moisture from the soil, contributing to shrinkage and settling.
Is it legal to remove roots from a neighbor’s tree?
You may trim roots that cross onto your property, but if the tree dies or falls,
you could be liable. Always consult a tree service before proceeding.
Will removing roots kill the tree?
If too many roots are removed, yes. That’s why selective pruning must be done by professionals.
How much does tree root removal cost?
It depends on the severity, location, and method. Root pruning may cost
$300 to $800, while full tree and root removal ranges from
$800 to $3,000+ depending on tree size and complexity.
Will insurance cover root-related damage?
Most homeowner policies
do not cover damage from tree roots unless it results from a covered peril (like a storm). Check your policy for exclusions.
Worried About Tree Roots? We Can Help.
If you suspect tree roots are damaging your home, driveway, or pipes — don’t wait. Early action can save you from thousands in repairs and structural damage.
Huffstetler Tree & Lawn Services Inc. offers safe, affordable, and insured root removal, tree removal, and root prevention services throughout Gaston County.
Call 704-913-6109 or visit https://www.huffstetlertreeservice.com to schedule a free property evaluation.
Serving Alexis, Gastonia, Dallas, Mount Holly, and surrounding areas.
Protect your home from the ground up — with expert local tree care from Huffstetler.
