Have you ever seen the tree roots breaking up the roads, walls, and pathways? These roots are invasive and can cause big problems like damaging driveways, blocking drains and pipes, causing trip hazards, killing other plants and damaging pools.

The first thought that occurs whenever you see an invasive root is to completely remove the root. However, it’s not always the best solution. As roots are the primary source of water and nutrients for the tree, you have to remove them with careful consideration.

Otherwise, you can be responsible for destabilising the tree or may end up killing it.

Understanding Tree Root Systems

Tree root systems tend to spread far from the base of the tree, underneath the ground. It’s important to know how to control this growth and ensure that surrounding structures aren’t affected by the roots.

Understanding the tree root types will help you to know what trees can truly cause problems. Usually, trees that have huge surface roots cause invasive roots that damage structures like roads, houses, etc.

The knowledge helps you to be alert when you are buying a home with big trees nearby. You will know whether their roots can cause problems or not.

How Tree Roots Cause Problems

Some roots become so thick and strong that they end up breaking through the surface of the soil. This can cause problems with pavements, building structures, plumbing systems, etc.

They become tripping hazards, especially during nighttime when you are driving in a car. It’s dangerous to travel on a road that has invasive roots.

Houses with big trees nearby are always in danger as their roots can cause the walls to break. When you want to sell the home, buyers may walk off seeing the big trees and their roots

It’s expensive to repair the damages caused by invasive roots. It’s an unnecessary cost that can put a hole in your pocket. Also, you simply can’t ignore invasive roots as the problem only grows bigger.

Treatments and Preventive Measures

If you notice an invasive root near your area that is causing problems, consult a professional arborist to get an expert solution. You can get suggestions on how to remove the root without any issues.

On the other hand, indeed, prevention is always better than cure. When planting trees, make sure to know the tree type. If the tree tends to grow big with large surface roots, then you may have to choose a place that is suitable for the tree. However, if you have a problematic invasive root, then the following methods are performed so that the roots become safe for your livelihood.

• Tree Removal
  Sometimes, the invasive roots are so big and large that the only option that remains is to cut down the tree. Removing the tree should be done carefully so that it is not growing again. Usually, tree removal is done as the last resort. You should only consult professionals so that they can remove the tree without causing any problems.
• Root Barriers
  Using root barriers is the perfect solution to prevent roots from being invasive. It is a preventative measure that lets the tree roots in a certain direction away from the footpaths, driveways and buildings. The barrier will keep the root at bay and reduce damage to the structures and roads. A tree expert can install a barrier correctly so that the roots don’t cause any problem in the future.
• Cutting
  By cutting the invasive root, the problem is solved though it’s only temporary. Cutting may detach the root from the tree and it can grow again although it takes a lot of time for regrowth. If you don’t want to remove the entire tree and are seeking an urgent solution, then cutting the invasive root is recommended.

Final Thoughts

You have to deal with trees with the utmost care. Though their roots are invasive and cause problems in daily life, you should not be in haste and cut down the entire tree as a solution. Preventing the roots from becoming invasive depends on all of us and if they do become, consulting professionals is recommended for expert solutions.