We’ve all heard the warning: “Don’t plant trees near your home or they’ll bust your pipes wide open!”
But is this really true—or just another leafy legend?
The Myth:
Tree roots are aggressive monsters hunting down your pipes like buried treasure, ready to smash through at the first sign of moisture.
The Truth:
Roots don’t break pipes—they find existing cracks and weaknesses. If your pipes are in good shape, tree roots aren’t likely to cause any damage. But if you’ve got older clay or cast iron pipes with tiny leaks, thirsty roots *will* find their way in.
Roots seek out moisture, and leaking pipes are like a siren song. Once inside, roots can expand and worsen the problem over time, leading to clogs and backups. But the root cause (pun intended!) isn’t the tree—it’s the pipe’s condition.
What You Can Do:
– Schedule a tree and plumbing inspection, especially if you live in an older home.
– Don’t plant large trees right next to water or sewer lines.
– Use root barriers to redirect growth safely away from vulnerable infrastructure.
Quick Links
– Stump Grinding Services
– Contact Us
– About Our Crew
– Service Areas
Final Thought:
Trees aren’t the villains here—they’re just doing what trees do. The key is proactive maintenance.
If you’ve got questions about where to plant or how to protect your property, Pro Tree Knoxville is just a call away.
