Hug a Tree... but Love Your Foundation
Friday, April 27th, 2012 by AFS Repair
At AFS, we can find a reason in nearly any event to learn more about foundation & structural repair.
Case in point: April 27 is National Arbor Day
National Arbor Day is celebrated on the last Friday in April every year, and is directed by the National Arbor Day Foundation, a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees, with over one million members, supporters, and valued partners.
When you decide to plant trees on your property, consider these tips:
--Choose the varietal of tree carefully. Depending on the root system, the roots may sprawl and potentially exert pressure on your foundation, under your slab, or against your crawlspace walls.
--Trees affect the amount of moisture in the soils surrounding your home. Trees that have higher water needs may pull more water out of the soil, which will cause it to dry and to contract. This contraction changes the pressure that is against your foundation walls. On-going expansion and contraction of soil surrounding your home can gradually weaken your foundation over time.
--Trees, and landscaping elements in general, can affect the way that water drains off of your property. Practice careful design as you place trees throughout your yard. Be sure that water from irrigation and from rainshowers is able to channel away from your home, rather than towards it.
If you think that trees or landscaping has damaged your home's foundation, contact us for a free visual inspection. We'll help you understand all of the factors that affect your home's structural integrity- water, soil, building components, and more.
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