What should I do if tree roots cause cracks in my driveway or drains – and does it mean my house will be damaged next?

Tree roots can sometimes contribute to damage of hard surfaces or drains, but this does not automatically mean your house foundations will be affected.

HA Trees And Development 01
HA Trees And Development 01

What should I do if tree roots cause cracks in my driveway or drains – and does it mean my house will be damaged next?

Tree roots can sometimes contribute to damage of hard surfaces or drains, but this does not automatically mean your house foundations will be affected.

Proper investigation is important before drawing conclusions.

Tree roots typically grow close to the surface, and it is not uncommon for them to develop on the underside of hard surfaces such as driveways, which can lead to cracks developing through physical pressure.

This damage is frequently superficial, and there is a range of options available which include: do nothing; repair the cracks; remove the existing surface and replace with a new one engineered to accommodate the roots; prune the roots or remove the tree (the latter two subject to Tree Preservation Order (TPO) consent or conservation area notification if relevant).

What you should do first

  • Photograph the damage
  • Check whether drains are cracked or leaking
  • Note the distance between the tree and the structure

Possible causes

Cracks may result from:

  • Ground movement
  • Poor construction
  • Water leaks
  • Tree root influence

Often, more than one factor is involved.

HA Tree Damage Cracked Drive

Tree roots can cause problems by blocking drains. They do not usually cause the initial damage to the drain and will only enter drains which are already damaged and leaking. Therefore, if drains are watertight, roots should not normally affect them. If your drains are blocked by roots you will need a drainage company to assist. It is possible that the drains will require lining or replacing. Removing the tree seldom resolves the problem as the drain remains damaged and can leak (possibly causing foundation damage) or may be infiltrated by the roots of other plants unless the drain is repaired.

If your driveway or drains have been affected by roots, this does not necessarily mean that your house will be damaged next. Root damage to buildings is much rarer and is usually caused by subsidence: an entirely different mechanism to driveways and drains damage.

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Getting professional advice

An arboricultural consultant can:

  • Assess the tree’s likely influence
  • Advise whether roots are a probable factor
  • Recommend proportionate solutions
Registered Consultants

Next steps