Planting Trees Near Carrollton, TX Water Lines

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Planting Trees Near Carrollton, TX Water Lines

Trees Planting One of the top causes of plumbing clogs is the infiltration of tree roots growing into the water lines. Trees that in general are of taller, fast growing species with shallow root systems are the trees that tend to have root systems that interfere with your water lines.

The best advice is to avoid planting trees at all near your water lines. But many times the trees are already present on a property. This makes it one of the important things to watch out for whenever you are considering buying or renting a home with trees in the landscaping. You want to avoid any plumbing problems like clogged drains from tree root infiltration.

It may seem like a small matter, but it won’t be small when you have dish out the unexpected additional costs of replacing the water lines or septic system on the property after you buy or rent the place. What a headache. In this case, the term, “buyer beware,” couldn’t be more appropriate!

The specific species of trees growing in your area depend on the region of the country you live in, but in general there are species which grow in differing varieties all over the United States. The oak, pine, cedar, maple, and most other common trees will change subtly from region to region for adaptation reasons.

For instance, the Oak tree is a slow growing tree in many areas, but there are fast growing varieties as well. However, they are rated low as far as being a species of trees that cause plumbing clogs. This is because an Oak tree has strong, deep roots, not shallow web like root systems. This doesn’t mean the Oak tree doesn’t ever get into plumbing lines, because they can and do. It just means they are safer to plant nearby, but not on top of, your water lines.

Three trees in particular have shallow and extensive root systems that by sheer volume will cause problems for your plumbing lines. The weeping willow, Cottonwood, and Poplars. While these trees are wonderful shade trees because they provide so much shade so quickly, you’ll not want them anywhere near your waterlines.

Shade trees typically grow faster than other, more deep rooted trees, yet they are also more likely to have problems with wind damage and waterline infiltration. They also cause septic system problems as well as pavement and sidewalk damage.

Some trees have shallow root systems that are not invasive. The roots of most palm tree varieties extend laterally as far as the crown of leaves grows. This enables them to get water from a wide spread of soil. Smaller growing palms are best when the root system size is of concern. So you can plant them near, but not next to or on top of water lines.

Some good varieties are the Oak varieties, Maple varieties, Pagodas, Horsechestnuts and Buckeyes, and more. Ask your local nursery for tree varieties that are rated low for invasive root systems and you should be able to get a few local varieties recommended to you. Otherwise, to avoid clogged drains and expensive plumbing repairs, it’s always going to be best to plant your trees away from water lines in the first place.