Can Pruning Stop Tree Roots From Damaging Your Property?
Have you noticed cracks in your paving, raised garden surfaces or recurring drainage problems near a large tree? Tree roots respond to conditions beneath the ground, particularly the availability of water, nutrients and suitable soil. You might consider pruning the tree to reduce its growth. While cutting back branches changes the tree's appearance, it doesn't necessarily change where its roots grow. Why Cutting Branches Doesn't Solve Every Root Problem When you prune a tree, you reduce part of its canopy. This can temporarily change the amount of energy the tree needs, but the existing root system remains underground. For example, imagine you have a mature tree beside your driveway. Its roots have already spread beneath the surrounding soil. Removing several branches won't make those established roots disappear or immediately stop further growth. The same applies when roots grow near underground drainage pipes. If a pipe leaks and releases moisture into the surrounding...