Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover tree root damage to sewer systems. Because homes insurance covers unexpected and inadvertent damage, and tree roots grow over time, this is the case. The water in your sink slowly swirls before seeping down the drain.
Can you claim tree root damage on insurance?
If tree roots cause damage to your home, your homeowners insurance coverage should protect you in the event that you need to file a claim. If they advise you to remove a tree as a precaution and you refuse, you could be held liable for any subsequent harm.
Who is liable for tree root damage?
In most cases, obtaining a report from an arborist stating that the damage was caused by the tree’s roots is required to succeed in a claim.
A surveyor’s report certifying the degree of the damage, the remedial work required, the expected cost of such remedial work, and any depreciation in the value of the damaged property is normally required.
Who can be liable for damage caused by the roots of a tree?
The owner of the land where the tree is located is normally responsible for any harm caused by the tree’s roots. However, if the occupier of the land in question (for example, a tenant) is in a position to ‘abate’ (put an end to) the nuisance, they may be accountable. Even if they do not own or inhabit the land on which the tree is located, a person who has a sufficient degree of control over the tree may be held accountable.
Who can bring a claim for damage caused by the roots of a tree?
A claim can be filed by the owner or occupant of property that has been harmed by tree roots.
If the damage happened before the property owner purchased it, they may be able to collect the cost of all corrective work required on the basis that the nuisance was a continuous annoyance, and they do not need to prove that the property has sustained further physical damage since they purchased it.
What loss can be claimed?
A claim for damage caused by tree roots will often include the following:
- the expense of removing the nuisance for example, the cost of cutting the tree’s roots if the owner or person in charge of the tree fails to take reasonable steps to remove the annoyance within a reasonable time;
- loss incurred as a result of a decrease in the value of the property in question (subsided properties are generally more difficult to sell and, as a result, it is often difficult to achieve market value when they are sold); loss incurred as a result of a decrease in the value of the property in question (properties that have suffered subsidence are generally more difficult to sell and, as a result, it is often difficult to achieve market value when they are sold);
- the cost of alternative lodging if the owner or occupier of the property is obliged to vacate the premises while the work is being done;
It will be the claimant’s responsibility to demonstrate that any expenditure they made was both reasonably incurred and reasonable in terms of amount.
The claimant may also seek an injunction prohibiting the tree’s owner or whoever has control of it from causing any more damage.
The owner or person in control of the tree, on the other hand, will only be liable for the cost of any remedial works that were’reasonably foreseeable,’ and the claimant will typically be expected to give them a chance to abate the nuisance before incurring such costs.
Foreseeability
It will be necessary to prove that the defendant knew, or should have known, that such damage would occur in order for the damage to be “reasonably foreseeable.”
The defendant will not be liable for any damage caused by a tree if there is only a remote probability of such damage. The fact that a tree is mature, tall, or on clay is unlikely to suffice in demonstrating that any damage it causes was reasonably foreseeable.
Normally, a defendant is only responsible for the expense of any corrective work once the claimant has been notified of the harm and the defendant fails to take reasonable steps to cease the annoyance within a reasonable time. That will not always be the case, however.
If the tree is very close to a property, the genuine risk of harm to the land is usually foreseeable since the defendant must have known, or ought reasonably to have known, that the owner or occupier of the property in question might recover the costs of remediation.
If owners of neighboring properties have notified the owner or person in charge of the tree of damage to their properties, the owner or person in charge of the tree may have been aware that there was a real risk of damage to other properties in the area, even if the owners of those properties have not notified them of such damage.
Can a person be liable for damage resulting from the roots of a tree that was not planted by him?
A nuisance emerges when a person allows a tree to expand from their land into that of their neighbor, regardless of whether the tree was planted by them or by a person from whom they purchased the property, or if the tree was self-sown.
Broken branches and fallen trees
Your house insurance will normally cover natural falling branches or trees that damage your roof, windows, or other components of your property.
In some cases, the insurance will cover the reasonable costs of removing the branch or tree, but not the stump or underlying roots.
Tree roots
Tree roots and shrubs have the potential to grow through, under, or against the foundations and external walls of your home.
Roots must be extremely close to a house’s foundations to exert physical pressure on it, therefore this is something your insurance will want to know when you get your policy.
If you have roots in your home or experience subsidence or heave, your home buildings policy should protect you if you need to file a claim.
Subsidence
It’s possible that the damage caused by trees growing near your home isn’t due to the tree itself.
Subsidence is more likely to be caused by clay soil shrinking as it dries, causing the foundations to sink.
Because tree roots take water from the soil, the earth dries out more quickly, causing subsidence.
Because subsidence claims can be costly, a loss adjuster is frequently dispatched to analyze the claim and determine the source of the difficulties.
If your insurer approves a claim for subsidence caused by your tree, it will pay for the property damage it has caused.
Heave
Removing a mature tree from dry ground can cause more damage than leaving it alone because ‘heave’ can occur.
When the water balance in the soil becomes reliant on moisture being removed by the tree’s roots, the soil will bulge with excess moisture if the tree is removed.
If you’re concerned about a tree causing subsidence or are thinking about removing mature trees, consult a competent arborist or surveyor.
There’s no reason to cut down a healthy tree whose roots aren’t causing any issues.
Does homeowners ins cover tree damage?
Your normal homes insurance policy covers the damage to the structure as well as any damage to the contents if a tree falls on your house or another insured property, such as a detached garage. This is especially true for trees that have been toppled by wind, lightning, or hail.
What damage can tree roots do?
Normally, more than a third of a tree is buried beneath the earth. The roots are significant in a number of ways, despite the fact that they are buried. Fine roots collect the water and nutrients that the tree requires to grow and thrive, and they are transported to the stem by coarse, woody roots. The coarse roots also serve as a support for the tree, preventing the crown from being overturned by the wind. The soil is held together by a network of fine and coarse roots, which also helps to prevent soil erosion and landslides on steep slopes.
Tree-care specialists are becoming increasingly aware of the dangers of tree root damage from a variety of urban maintenance and construction activities. Roots are killed by physical damage during cable and pipe laying, road changes, and soil compaction or regrading during building construction, in addition to chemical harm such as de-icing road salt and herbicides.
Tree roots must grow through a substrate that is frequently more debris than soil in city streets, where they must survive in the confined area between buildings and roadways, under concrete pavements. Surprisingly, roots not only survive in this adverse environment, but they also explore its limits, pushing against the limitations on a regular basis.
How do tree roots interact with pavements?
Roots can deform and shatter man-made structures such as buildings, pipelines, and pavements as they grow and thicken within their limited space, causing harm to many tree-lined roadways.
Each year, the woody roots thicken. The growth rings in woody roots are just as well defined as those in the stem in temperate regions of the planet. Shallow roots sprouting just beneath the pavement are eventually pushed closer to the surface by this secondary thickening. Roots can exert enough energy to bend asphalt or even concrete as they expand, and they can readily shift slabbed paving. And as roots continue to develop after a surface fails, the upheaval grows. The majority of the damage is located within 2 meters of the tree, partially due to the rapid growth of this area of the root system, and partly due to the ‘buttressing’ of roots close to the stem. With increasing distance from the tree, the roots branch and taper, becoming smaller and less harmful. However, at greater distances from the trunk, considerable damage can still be seen.
Because ignoring pavement degradation is not an option, especially when pedestrians are at risk, pavements are repaired once they have been ground down or roots removed. Unfortunately, highway engineers frequently demand that any trees causing noticeable harm be completely removed.
During road work to install or repair utilities, street tree roots are frequently injured. Trenching activities near pavements can be extremely harmful, resulting in the abolition of huge numbers of street trees. Severing roots fully along one side of an already constricted root system drastically limits a tree’s ability to absorb water and nutrients, facilitates root disease infection, and makes the tree much less sturdy right away.
It is vital to understand how root systems develop and interact with their surroundings in order to build and manage hard surfaces around street trees in order to minimize root damage:
Root architecture
A multitude of factors influence how tree roots develop, including soil type and structure, soil water content, and temperature. Trees can be matched to the soil or soil conditions can be changed to produce more suitable root systems. With this in mind, it’s crucial to think about how tree root systems grow, how they respond to soil conditions and barriers, and how rooting patterns differ between species.
How do roots explore and exploit the soil?
Trees take advantage of as much soil as possible by spreading their roots out in all directions, and they reproduce where the conditions for growth are best. Because it contains the highest nutrient concentrations, sufficient aeration, and warm temperatures, soil near the surface is perfect for root growth. As a result, the majority of tree roots are found near the surface. Condensation of moisture on the underside of pavements (or sidewalks) makes the soil near the surface particularly conducive for growth in places of the world with high temperatures and minimal rainfall. During the growing season, deeper soil layers have less nutrients, lower oxygen levels, and cooler temperatures, as well as being considerably more difficult to penetrate due to increased compaction.
Although roots develop in all directions, those under the finest conditions grow the longest and thickest. So roots are mostly found near the soil surface in the most advantageous conditions, not because they deliberately seek out these environments, but because these are the roots that develop and thicken the fastest.
Structural roots
The tree’s fastest-growing roots, known as surface roots, thicken quickly to form the structural root system that keeps it upright. Trees are sustained by a root system that consists of three to eleven massive structural roots. If a tree is to remain stable, these must develop as equally as possible around it. If a tree has grown very few structural roots, or if one or more have been destroyed during trenching or road construction, it may be vulnerable to windthrow during storms.
The number of structural roots has an impact on pavement degradation as well. When roots grow close to the surface, a tree’s biomass (root matter) allocated to four major roots will inflict far more harm than if it is distributed evenly across, say, eight major roots. Because the slower spread of tiny roots can be accommodated rather readily by soil compression beneath the pavement, this is the case.
Barriers to controlling street tree roots
Large roots are frequently found near the surface where soil below the base of a barrier is compacted or wet. The largest roots, however, tend to stay deep in the soil if it is loose and thoroughly aerated. As a result, properly built barriers can successfully deflect roots, but soil conditions suitable to root growth in the region below the barrier’s base must be provided.
Rather than simply diverting roots, some commercially available barriers trap root tips in holes in cloth or mesh that do not extend with the root, effectively stopping them from growing. Other products inhibit growth by gently releasing chemicals. Where roots have a high tendency to return to the surface, certain types of barriers may be more useful.
Minimising damage during road work and trenching
Recommendations for trenching around street trees (NJUG 2007) divide the area surrounding trees into three zones:
If excavation is absolutely necessary within the forbidden zone, roots should be safeguarded and mechanical excavation should be avoided. Even if digging is permissible in the designated zone, roots should be safeguarded. Trenchless techniques should be used wherever possible; if trenches are unavoidable, they should be broken rather than continuous. To avoid root or stem damage and needless soil compaction, backfilling and other operations near the tree should be conducted. The National Joint Utilities Group has a complete set of guidelines.
Designing space for trees into urban developments
The easiest way to avoid problems between tree roots and the needs for pavements and services in urban streets is to design in room for street trees from the start. There are a variety of materials and systems available to offer the space required for tree roots to flourish without becoming a nuisance or subject to damage.
Street tree root excavation
In a tree-lined downtown street, larger trees were inspected. This was an asphalt pavement in Sheffield, England, that had been destroyed by 30-year-old cherry trees. Using an air tool called a Soil Pick, the pavement was lifted and roots were extracted.
The roots were meticulously mapped and studied after they were exposed. The cherry trees in this study had two to five major roots, but their spread was generally limited by the road on one side and a wall on the other. Because of soil compaction, none of the root systems excavated in the study had grown deeper than 60 cm. The majority of pavement cracks were produced by roots larger than 10 cm in diameter. Large surface roots, as expected, have caused the most serious sidewalk damage. Surprisingly, fast-growing roots as deep as 40 cm have also been shown to have caused harm. When roots were just below the surface, pavement cracks followed the underlying root path.
Effectiveness and risks of pavement repair
The pavement had been repaired in the excavated street by chiselling down roots that had caused damage before re-laying the asphalt. This proved to have only short-term benefits, and in the long run, it may have exacerbated the condition. Damaged roots had calloused around the chiseled region, causing the new sidewalk to be lifted over a broader area. Complete removal of massive roots during sidewalk restorations, on the other hand, saves repeated damage but compromises stability. Both techniques of repair carry the danger of introducing disease. In some circumstances, removing and replacing harmful trees with less aggressive ones may be the best option, but whenever possible, solutions should be sought to prioritize tree protection. To minimize damage and safeguard the tree, the best way is to create and maintain hard landscaping.
National Joint Utilities Group Guidelines
NJUG is a non-profit organization dedicated to (2007). Utility Apparatus in Close Proximity to Trees: NJUG Guidelines for Planning, Installation, and Maintenance (Volume 4). London’s National Joint Utilities Group
Additional information
J. Claridge (ed) (1997). The Present and Future of Arboricultural Practice Amenity Trees Research 6. Department of the Environment, Transport, and Regions, London.
M.P. Coutts, C.C.N. Nielsen, and B.C. Nicoll (1999). The structural root system of conifers develops symmetry, rigidity, and anchoring. 115 in Plant and Soil 217.
B. Nicoll (2002). The root cause of sidewalk deterioration is urban trees fighting back. Tree Care Industry, vol. 13, no. 2, pp. 3639.
B.C. Nicoll and A. Armstrong (1997). The Root Architecture of Street Trees and Pavement Damage SILN 138/97/SILN Arboriculture Research and Information Note. Arboriculture Advisory and Information Service, Farnham, UK.
B.C. Nicoll and A. Armstrong (1998). Pavement degradation and root architecture of Prunus root systems in a city street. 259270 in Arboricultural Journal.
Direct damage by urban tree roots: paving the way for less destructive street trees, Nicoll, B.C. and Coutts, M.P. (1997). The Present and Future of Arboricultural Practice For the Amenity Trees Series, I did some research. Department of the Environment, Transport, and Regions, London.
B.C. Nicoll and M.P. Coutts (1998). Rigid Barriers Deflection of Tree Roots 143/98/SILN Arboriculture Research and Information Note Arboricultural Advisory and Information Service, Farnham, UK.
B.C. Nicoll and D. Ray (1996). Tree root systems adapt their growth in response to wind and site circumstances. 899904 in Tree Physiology.
D. Patch and B. Holding (2007). To Development, Through the Trees. Tree Advice Trust, Farnham, UK. Arboricultural Practice Note (APN) 12.
Smith, J. Roberts, N. Jackson, and J. Roberts (2006). In The Built Environment, Tree Roots Amenity Trees Research 8. The Stationery Office is based in London.
B. Tobin, J. Ermák, D. Chiatante, F. Danjon, A. Di Iorio, L. Dupuy, L. Eshel, A. Jourdan, C. Kalliokoski, T. Laiho, R. Nadezhdina, N. Nicoll, B. Pagès, L. Silva, J. Silva, J. Silva, J. Silva, J. Silva, J. Silva, J. Silva, J. (2007). Towards tree root system developmental modeling. Plant Biosystems, vol. 141, no. 3, pp. 481501.
Can tree roots cause plumbing problems?
Simply put, your sewer drain system is at risk of being hacked. Tree roots that are thirsty will naturally gravitate toward any leaks in your water or sewer pipes. Tree roots infiltrate your pipes when they discover a leak in sewer lines. This results in clogged water lines, pipe damage, unhealthy conditions, and often high repair costs.
How much root damage can a tree take?
The tree’s ability to obtain water and nutrients is harmed when root function is lost. The amount of root material a tree can lose and still survive varies depending on the tree. The amount of root loss that can be sustained depends on the size of the tree and its original health. When compared to a smaller tree, a larger tree can afford to lose more root mass. Moderate root injury is defined as 15 to 30% of the total root surface. It’s only a matter of time before a tree loses more than half of its roots and succumbs to the elements.
How do you treat tree root damage?
You’ll need to aerate the soil if the roots are damaged, especially if the soil is compacted. Water, oxygen, and nutrients can reach the roots of your trees more easily with improved soil aeration. It also helps to prevent soil compaction. Drilling small diameter holes in the soil under the tree canopy or employing a powerful equipment that loosens soil with compressed air are both options for improving aeration.
If I cut a root, will the tree die?
As a general rule, don’t prune roots that are more than 2 inches wide. The removal of huge tree roots may cause the tree to become unstable or unhealthy in the future. The tree may not be able to acquire adequate nutrients and water if massive roots are removed. Remove any roots that are close to or connected to the trunk since they are vital to the tree’s structure.
How many tree roots can I cut?
Never pull out more than 20% of a tree’s above-ground roots at once. Then, after two to three years, check to see if your tree has fully recovered. After that, you can safely consider chopping down more tree roots.
How can I cut tree roots without killing the tree?
Again, cutting tree roots does not guarantee that the tree will not be harmed or eventually killed. Tree roots should only be removed if they are causing damage or encroaching on surrounding structures, not for aesthetic reasons.
Before removing tree roots, speak with your local arborist to ensure that your tree has the best chance of surviving. Alternatively, you might have your arborist prune the roots for you.
For DIY root cutting, use this step-by-step guide.
- Find the source of the problem and follow it all the way back to the trunk of your tree. Before trimming or chopping if it turns out to be part of a huge root, consult an arborist. Go to step 2 for a smaller root.
- Take a measurement of your tree’s circumference. Wrap a measuring tape four feet from the tree’s base around the tree. Then multiply the result by 3.14. Roots that are 3-5 times the diameter of your tree can usually be safely pruned away from your tree. So, if your tree is 3 feet in diameter, only cut the tree roots 9-15 feet away from it.
- Mark the area you’ll be cutting, and then dig a hole all the way around the root until it’s fully exposed.
- Prune the tree with a root saw. Pull the root carefully up and away from the tree until it comes free. After that, be sure to fill the hole with soil from the same region.
- After you’ve pruned your tree, keep an eye on it for a few weeks. Symptoms of decline, like as yellow leaves or branch death, necessitate the quick care of an arborist.
Can tree roots damage House foundation?
Is it possible for tree roots to undermine a home’s foundation? A pin oak tree with a circumference of 3′ grows within 10 feet of my house. A trained arborist examined it and suggested that he use an Air Knife to expose the roots near the foundation (a walkout basement) to see if the roots are causing harm and should be clipped, or if the tree should be destroyed since it is too close to the home. I was wondering if you thought it would be worthwhile or not to spend $500 on them to utilize the Air Knife.
Answer: Tree roots may wreak havoc on a home’s foundation if given the opportunity. Tree roots are opportunistic, only growing and penetrating where conditions are favorable, such as friable soils and mulch. When roots come into contact with solid, impervious surfaces like pipelines, sidewalks, curbs, and foundations, they usually reroute laterally or up and over. They can and will exploit those voids in quest of moisture if there is a breach or a fracture nearby. Sewer pipes, for example, are not destroyed by roots; they are simply capable of locating leaks and going into the moist, nutrient-rich pipe.
Roots often develop horizontally and only a few inches below the soil surface. When roots come into contact with the looser backfill dirt near the foundation, they may begin to grow down abruptly. If these roots are there, you may be able to find them by excavating a foot or two down within a few feet of the foundation. Cut off any questionable roots you detect. Unfortunately, excavation down to the foundation’s base may be required in some circumstances. This may be necessary in order to fix and stabilize it. Cutting the roots should eliminate future issues, especially if a root barrier is used to prevent regrowth.