Tree Roots Can Move Small Retaining Walls - Landscaping Design Tips

www.homebuildingandrepairs.com... Click on this link for more information about landscaping, design and repairs. I've seen this happen plenty of times, but this video isn't for me, it's for those who haven't or are thinking about planting trees next to a retaining wall. I've seen tree roots raise small and large retaining walls and force them to move and crack, often creating problems for property owners as trees grow and become larger.

[@pattihayden8100]

I have a pine tree 3 feet off my block wall. I’ve noticed over the past year or so that the dirt level is raising around it. I’ve been doing a slow deep water a few times a week during the summer and monthly during the winter. I live in Las Vegas btw. Should I be concerned about the raising of the dirt? Thanks

[@danielryle5596]

Thanks for putting together this video, I have just completed building a 500mm high concrete sleeper retaining wall, concrete sleepers are 1800mm x 200 x 80 and post holes are 450mm x 450mm x 800mm deep and geofabric material behind wall with agi pipe 700mm down surround by 300mm of crushed rock wrapped in geofabric. I was wondering if you think English box hedge would be suitable to plant 450mm away from this wall?

[@brian8838]

Thank you for the video. Do you know of any available literature on the pressure of roots on walls. I'm not sure if this has ever been investigated.

[@peterwylie]

Helpful information, thank you. I need to build a small 3ft retaining wall beside some existing trees with roots at where I would want to put the wall base. Have you any tips on what I could do to prevent future damage?

[@gregvancom]

The only tip I could give you would be to remove the trees or plant them far enough away to where they wouldn't do any damage. I would love to say that you could create a heavy duty footing with rebar and special mixtures of concrete, but I've seen trees move some large walls.

[@juanzelaya1183]

Question... if I have a 2 foot high retaning wall and I plant a tree with a metal ring around it (enough for trunk to grow big easily) that is 2 feet deep and I plant the tree so the surface soil is 1 foot deep inside ring. Could this make the roots grow downwards more and grow well under the retaining wall?

[@giftysingh8788]

thanks for this video

[@MadManInMyVisions]

I have a several huge pines in my front yard, including a Ponderosa pine. The roots have surfaced recently and there is pressure building up near my driveway and walkway. I believe the soil might have been compacted, due to heavy rain and the roots are surfacing, because of the lack of oxygen in the soil. This happened before in the 90s after a heavy rainstorm that lasted a week. Would you have any suggestions?

[@gregvancom]

If you can, cut the roots so they don't go under these areas, but this could allow the trees to fall over easier in strong winds. I've done it before with only a few roots, but if you have to cut a lot, then it might be time to remove or relocate the sidewalks or remove trees.

[@kshamaborkar4552]

Sir thank u so much 4 dis video

[@pyakpepyak]

I found a tree root near my house exactly like in your video, but it bent horizontally instead. I'm thinking should i just cut it or let dry it out instead, so the pressure on the foundation will be released more slowly?

[@gregvancom]

That sounds good, but new tree roots will continue to grow under a retaining wall, so you might need to inspect these areas regularly and remove any roots that are heading under the foundation. Let me know if this doesn't make sense.

[@sergiocalad]

how much is the pressure on the wall? You need a load to calculate the amount of reinforcement. Is there any code for this?

[@mohsinmulla0414]

Make vdo on effects of roots of coconut tree on construction

[@nancydragan8124]

Is this covered under insurance if your neighbors trees caused this wall to fall?

[@ExperimentLife]

I have a question. Do you have some tips on what to look for when buying an old house? Thanks!

[@gregvancom]

I actually wrote a book on building inspections, but don't know if that would help. The bad news is that I forgot what the name of the book was. Try typing my name Greg Vanden Berge into the search engine at Amazon and it should pull it up.

[@jdecaires]

Thanks for the video. Do you recommend cutting or trimming the roots? If yes, how do I go about doing this?

[@gregvancom]

You might be able to trim some roots, but don't forget the roots are holding up the tree.

[@DK-vz6yp]

How do I repair a block wall if it has been damaged by roots? I have a four block high x 40 ft. wall that a root has pushed out and is now leaning, cracking some blocks and mortar where the roots got into it, but most of the wall is intact and solid, just leaning. Im thinking I have to disassemble the block wall, remove the roots and built-up dirt, then rebuild the wall?

[@gregvancom]

I'm with you on that one, take the wall apart, fix whatever is needed and then rebuild it.

[@charlesmcdonald8375]

I currently have this same situation. My 2 ft retaining Wall is leaning and is cracked. So I have dirt on one side of the wall and a concrete walk on the other side that belongs to the town. There is about 1 inch between the walk and the wall. The root underneath my footing is about three inches in diameter. I have now dug a 12 inch wide trench behind the wall down to the footing and was then going to try to straighten the wall before installing a wall anchoring system but I think if I attempt this I may damage the wall due to the root. At this point my plans are to try to anchor the wall in place and install a French drain as my lot slopes towards the corner of the wall. Do you have any other ideas for me. I have already cut the part of the root that was in the area that I trenched but I would love to remove this root from underneath my 8 inch thick brick wall so that I might straighten the wall before I anchor it. I think I will contact the town to see if they will remove and replace a piece of the sidewalk so that I can get at the root on the sidewalk side. I can always ask.

[@gregvancom]

I think you are on the right path. Just be careful working under the wall.

[@ngiffis]

Enjoyed your video - how do everyday or minor earthquakes affect that same wall that may have a tree growing next to it? Is earthquake "shaking" a factor in breaking a 6 ft block wall?

[@gregvancom]

Yes an earthquake or any type of movement in the ground including soil erosion or the soil from underneath the wall slowly disappearing can cause retaining walls to crack.

[@tonybirkett2234]

Liked the video. Will removing the leaning section of retaining wall destabilise the tree?

[@gregvancom]

I've seen plenty of trees survive a wall removal and the only problem I could think of would be if the wall was in a position where it diverted water towards the roots and was removed, then it could be a problem.

[@shiva6162]

Sir, I planted an Forest Almond tree in front my house,the almond tree has grown to be very large,the distance is 6feetonly,can you pls suggest does the distance is sufficient.

[@gregvancom]

I'm not an expert on trees or their root system, just making some extremely valuable points in the video. I have definitely received quite a few questions like yours though.

[@watchmanexpert]

I bought house 3 months ago ,and I found cracks on my foundation ugly one 1/2 inches wide and on one corner is one tree medium size is only one foot from the fundation...maybe that is the cracks reason

[@gregvancom]

I agree.

[@rubenchauhan8434]

Hi thanks for this video,please let me know that how far lemon tree I can plant from my house wall,I have already transfer from pot to garden soil ,I have picture ,it’s nearly 110inch (2.75 metres)from my house wall,is it safe or not?please guide me ,thanks

[@pashupatikoirala9871]

In general the crown size is the area of roots

[@ambalastores]

Suggest any sulotion...? There is a big tree near our water tank which is very old and its roots have repeatedly damaged the tank water from the tank is coming into the walls of the house

[@gregvancom]

Cut roots or/and remove tree.

[@leannsinc4477]

I have a small orange tree and a dwarf peach tree planted 2 feet a way from the fence wall they are still small like 1 year old do you thing I should move them further if yea how far should I go

[@gregvancom]

I think if I could move them, I would try to put them at least 4 feet away, but if pruned to keep them from getting too large, then I don't think it would be a problem. Keep in mind that most of the information I've gathered says that the root ball or roots of the tree are usually no larger than the top of the tree. Let me know if that doesn't make sense.

[@rickspectrum]

Can you save a tree if it's about 10 ft tall moving it and using something like "Rhizopon AA Rooting Hormones". The tree is 6 inch diameter about 1.5-2 feet from the wall.

[@gregvancom]

That question is out of my league, however I have rooted branches of a tree using root hormones. That might be another alternative instead of trying to save the entire tree.

[@hayleyvantwest652]

How big are the roots of a travellers palm? Can they damage the foundation of a house or pool if too close?

[@gregvancom]

I can only answer questions on products or building methods that I have experience with. However, if it's going to be a large tree, then it wouldn't be a bad idea to keep away from a building. I just removed a queen palm that had roots about 20 feet away from the base of the tree.

[@user-ru8ko8kn5u]

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[@dannyyal2107]

Hi, what if you grow a tree on the bottom of the retaining wall on the otherwise? Will it have the same affect or no concern at all?

[@gregvancom]

It can also be a problem. I've seen trees that are 10 feet away from wall on either side create damage.

[@dannyyal2107]

@@gregvancom thanks for reply mate. You wouldn't happen to know if a non invasive root tree like a dwarf maple be okay?

[@aounabbas6421]

i have a royal palm never my house foundation ! will it effect the foundation ? should i cut it down

[@gregvancom]

I can't answer your question, but can tell you that if the roots are near the foundation (within 12 inches), then it might need to go.

[@gregvancom]

I think if it was me, I would try to figure out what is more important, the tree or the house and usually it's going to be the house.

[@archanasingh-um2pn]

My retaining wall is 5 feet 11 inches high.I am planning to plant sunshine ligustrum as hedge on it about 1 feet away.Will it affect my wall.

[@gregvancom]

I don't know enough about plants to answer your question.

[@dianagutierrez1490]

Hi My 25 yr old tree is doing this to my retaining wall. My home as build next to water reservoir with very poor drainage and a neighbor about 15 years ago filled in the reservoir with dirt to elevate his property and the water from the reins would collect behind my fence yard I have never watered this tree in over 20 years because it is collecting the water underground it is about 50 ft tall and the trunk is about 5 ft wide a monstrous tree uplifting my wall I am afraid of the roots uplifting my neighbor's wall and I would like some advice besides taking the tree out which I would want to do

[@gregvancom]

There's not a lot you can do, either remove tree or wall. If you rebuild wall you might have the same problem in few years.

[@TheCoryAyers]

Will a Bradford Pear do this to a pool? How far away does it need to be not to do so?

[@gregvancom]

I don't know enough about root structures from individual trees to provide you with a realistic answer. If you're having a problem with your swimming pool, feel free to email me a picture for more information. You can get our email address at our website.

[@CONCERTMANchicago]

Lesson is, contracted landscape designers will do anything customers say for enough money. And are also first to state, "Well, property owners should have done their research". As they knew this would inevitably happen.

[@gregvancom]

You've got to do your research.

[@CONCERTMANchicago]

@@gregvancom, you know it! Learning new stuff is a blast. Customers doing the opposite, "Take for granted", Nurseries will grow trees correctly, contractors will install them correctly, Arborist will prune them correctly, construction workers know how to "work around trees". After all, who else but Nurseries. Should know how to grow trees. Who else but car mechanics...etc. But not only are customers required to tell them to grow, plant, prune new tree in the "Correct way". It costs customers more money to get it done right. But what does that mean for getting ones car repaired, foundation built, garage built?!? Tip in life, always know where Exits at.

[@gregvancom]

@@CONCERTMANchicago I also enjoy learning more than most and have to admit that those who would rather be doing something else, usually are the ones who end up dealing with more problems in the future.

[@dillonle4034]

Is it possible to build a retaining wall that has existing big tree less than a feet away without cut the tree?

[@gregvancom]

I don't know if you could build one out of concrete blocks and mortar, with a concrete footing, but you might be of the build one with dry stack concrete blocks. For more information simply type in," dry stack concrete blocks" into a search engine.

[@naveedahmadkhan91]

How to solve sir there is foundation near in wall

[@nicolaan6991]

Thank you

[@gregvancom]

You're welcome and thanks for watching.

[@jasonmushersee]

you should see what happens when tree roots find their way into the joints of old cast iron septic pipes

[@shanmugammanivel1437]

I have a question Is the neem tree gives the damage to the wall?

[@gregvancom]

I can tell you that if the tree gets large, then there's a good chance the roots will become large and the larger the roots, the higher the possibility of damage, if that makes sense.

[@maabrar8577]

Yes it does

[@mohsinmulla0414]

Sir plz tell, how much distance should leave from wall for plantation of trees such as coconut, mango, guava

[@gregvancom]

I would only be guessing and you can do that I don't think I'll be able to answer your question, because I would only be guessing. Keep in mind that the top of the tree branches can usually be reversed or turned upside down to provide you with an example of how large the root system will be. In other words, what usually on top is usually under the ground in the same size.

[@nancydragan8124]

My neighbor downhill has a retaining wall with no footer underneath it, which my driveway abuts to. This was here when I moved in 30 years ago. There were massive maple trees that had fallen and or cut down. Then They had 5 green giant arborvitaes growing next to the wall and the limbs were overhanging my property a few feet. Weed vines choked out these trees pulled electric lines off my house, So Neighbor cuts trees down, pulls stumps and roots out and never replaced any soil nor planted anything else there just weeds growing. Soon after the wall is unstable and starts failing. He is blaming my driveway for the failure. This wall is probably 70 years old and the weep holes do not work. What do you think caused this failure?

[@gregvancom]

The tree roots could be decomposing and creating voids in the soil, but I doubt if it would your fault if the wall wasn't built correctly. The driveway could add to the problem if it's directing enough water in any directions that would cause soil erosion.

[@nancydragan8124]

@@gregvancom Ok well it was built for water to run off to a poured section close to center so that would not be the issue so must be the roots. Thank You.

[@trafficface]

I have a dead tree on the retaining wall, will the wall collapse and what happens if I take it away?

[@gregvancom]

It could be problem if the roots rot or are removed and create a void under the wall.

[@yuva986]

I have a pongamia pinnata tree..it locates near to my house..is it affect my house?..it's roots are already growed in my house porch so some cracks are created...soo what can I do sir?

[@gregvancom]

I don't have a quick fix, but you should think about removing the tree to avoid more damage to your home.

[@markrowley9801]

Can you tell me how long the roots can get on a large shrub? (Diablo ninebark)

[@gregvancom]

I think it would depend upon the shrub and then the size of the shrub. I don't think it would be a problem if you kept the shrub trimmed. I've heard some people suggest that the roots are usually the size below the soil as the bush is above the soil as a general rule of thumb.

[@zainsyed2245]

How to get rid of the roots .. a tree some how grown up on the third floor of my house ..a wild plant . Its 12 feet in height .. i cut that tree many times but the roots grow another tree there..any solution

[@gregvancom]

The only solution I have would be to remove the tree and all of its roots or continue dealing with removing some of them every once in a while. Using some type of root killer could kill the tree.

[@pibblesnbits]

Cover with a tarp. No light. No growth.

[@durgaprasadgannavarapu7087]

my neighbour is growing a takewood tree near to my compound is there any problem?

[@gregvancom]

It might not ever be a problem, but it can be if the roots grow under your building foundation or into your plumbing drainage pipes. It's definitely a process that can be monitored and if the tree is kept relatively small by trimming it regularly, then it might not ever be a problem.

[@durgaprasadgannavarapu7087]

gregvancom Thank you very much for the reply sir! and the tree is so tall it is as tall as a two floor building! i want to kill it without my neighbour notice please tell me any idea!

[@gregvancom]

Unfortunately I cannot provide you with a method for killing trees, but I'm sure you can find it on the Internet. It might be a good idea to talk to your neighbor about your concerns.

[@durgaprasadgannavarapu7087]

o.k. sir thank you so much for the reply! i will talk to him!

[@iroschembri9569]

have the same problem with new neighbours planting 7 pencil pines on a 900mm wood retaining wall about 200mm off the wall. Offered to pay for suitable plants but no. "I like them so they stay", was their answer. They will pay for repairs. Bullshit I say! So much for good neighbour relations.

[@gregvancom]

You're right, they say they'll pay, but they usually don't or they move and it's the next owners problem. I'm not suggesting that you do this, but there are chemicals or other methods that can be used to stop those trees from growing permanently. From what I learned, any damage done from a neighbor's tree to your property or building is your responsibility. My father just had a large pine tree fall on his house and it cost him about $6000.

[@roxannefairweather4561]

Didnt really help. My tree is slowly push wall out if i get rid of tree and roots will the wall fall back into place?

[@gregvancom]

When you said it didn't help, what were you looking for and no it probably will not fall back in the place without some effort.

[@stephenhumble7627]

Yep i got a small brick retaining wall leaning. I dug away the sand of the high side, There was a pine tree growing only about 1.5 meters away and i found there are many tree roots going under the brick wall foundation and have forced up the wall and also caused it to lean. I cut the pine tree down to a stump and now i will try to cut away the tree roots that are going under the wall foundation and see if i can get the retaining wall back to it's proper position.

[@k.sjadhav8360]

My house is broking becaue of trees what should i do?

[@gregvancom]

You can always go to the website for more information or email me some pictures of the damage.

[@ADAVE-fg6li]

What is a solution without harming the tree?

[@lafemmerowena]

I had to google and youtube this to look for answers. i dont want to harm that tree but a minute ago i gave the go ahead. if i dont find a solution by monday, the tree dies. and i feel bad but i dont have enough land to go around it. Bummed but yeah am not giving up. i asked for it to be given space but will still push the wall even if it was dug 3 feet below. its listerally on the border of the land. it marks it. if someone has an idea, share! thanks!

[@lemesOficial]

Roots = Raízes

[@gregvancom]

Most of the time, Yessss.

[@sachiienraut]

What is solution ????

[@gregvancom]

The tree might need to be removed.

[@JBuckenmeyer]

So what's the solution? Cut the tree down?

[@gregvancom]

Most of the time, it will be the one I would choose.

[@shivpalpatine]

So.....where was the tip?

[@gregvancom]

I think the tip I would take away from this video would be to avoid planting anything that's going to put enough pressure on a block wall to create a crack.

[@CONCERTMANchicago]

Tip is, tree roots are supposed to do this. So if you want to hydraulically move wall for free...plant a tree. Roots search for oxygen, just like when circling outside of pots. Worst idea of all, is raising grade around already existing tree.

[@advaitkulkarni2513]

@@CONCERTMANchicago u rock bruhh

[@maintenancetech283]

How about a solution?

[@gregvancom]

Maybe in the comments.

[@Mansoor_ISB]

Tell us how to save the wall... u left the imp part

[@gregvancom]

Remove tree.

[@4647540]

Only problem No solution 🤦

[@gregvancom]

I apologize, but the video was truly meant to be more of a warning. The repairs or solutions you might be looking for are relatively simple, but might require a lot of work. Most of the time you will need to remove the tree and make the necessary repairs to the retaining wall. If you were looking for some type of quick fix solution, I don't have one.

[@kosi31koc70]

How to kill that tree

[@rubenchauhan8434]

Hi thanks for this video,please let me know that how far lemon tree I can plant from my house wall,I have already transfer from pot to garden soil ,I have picture ,it’s nearly 110inch (2.75 metres)from my house wall,is it safe or not?please guide me ,thanks

[@gregvancom]

I cannot provide you with that information, but have been asked to by many viewers.