
You may not see them, but tree roots can cause serious problems beneath the surface of your property. At Midstate Tree, we help New Jersey homeowners identify and prevent root-related damage before it becomes a costly issue—especially near foundations, sidewalks, and underground pipes.
🧱 ROOTS CAN CRACK FOUNDATIONS FROM BELOW
Tree roots don’t grow toward your foundation to cause trouble—they’re just searching for water and nutrients. But as they spread, they can push against concrete footings or slabs. Over time, this pressure can create cracks in:
Basement walls
Sidewalks
Driveways
Garage floors
Home foundations
Clay soils, which expand and contract with moisture, make this worse by amplifying root movement.
💧 ROOTS SEEK OUT LEAKS—AND MAKE THEM WORSE
If your foundation already has small leaks or cracks, tree roots may grow toward them to access moisture. Once they get inside, they widen gaps and worsen water intrusion.
This can lead to interior flooding, mold, and long-term structural damage—especially during wet seasons.
🪓 REMOVING ROOTS INCORRECTLY CAN DAMAGE THE TREE
Many homeowners think the solution is just cutting the roots—but that can backfire. Cutting too many roots too close to the trunk can destabilize the tree and cause it to fall. It also invites disease and weakens the entire root system.
Professional root pruning by certified arborists ensures safety for both your tree and your home.
🏠 SIGNS YOUR TREE ROOTS MAY BE CAUSING DAMAGE
- Cracks forming in basement walls or slab floors
- Uneven or heaving concrete sidewalks
- Pooling water near the foundation
- Trees growing too close (within 10–15 feet) of your house
- Sticking windows or doors that used to open freely
If you notice any of these, it’s time to call an expert for an on-site inspection.
📍 PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY WITH LOCAL EXPERTS
Midstate Tree offers root zone evaluations, safe tree removals, and strategic pruning throughout Warren and Hunterdon Counties. We understand how to manage large root systems without compromising your safety—or your investment.
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