How To Prevent A Tree Root System From Harming People And Infrastructure

By Author: Alexander Bennet
Total Articles: 3
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While it is much nicer to see some greenery around the cityscape, it can pose a hazard to buildings and infrastructure when trees are planted without thought as to where their roots will end up. A tree root system can go a long way in search of water and nutrients and can damage underground water pipes and foundations, pavement and roadways on its way.

However, when all the proper safeguards are put into place trees can be planted along the roadside, in parking lots, parks and residential areas with great benefit. We just have to take care to put those guards into place and to choose the right trees. Certain trees that are known for dropping their branches unexpectedly for no apparent reason should never be used in places where people are likely to sit under them.

These trees are also called widow-makers because in the olden days men camped under them and were crushed when a branch fell during the night. They have been allowed in places such as school yards where they continue to wreak havoc on the population. This must be stopped and common sense should prevail to get rid of such native trees and replace them ...
... with more suitable ones. Only then will the public be kept safe from injury.

Urban forestry can be enhanced by using trees that offer lots of shade in the summer while still letting warm sun through in the winter. Deciduous trees may cause a lot of leaf litter, but even evergreens lose leaves at certain times of the year; just not as many all at once. While leaves can block up gutters and drains, they can also be used to provide mulch on gardens so that less water is needed.

Water sensitive urban design also includes protecting water pipes and drains from being cracked by invasive roots. Tree roots will always be attracted to pipes because the water they contain is often warmer that the surrounding soil, thus creating moisture on the outside of the pipe. Once the tree roots start to wind around the pipes it won’t be long before they crack open.

Root guards and root rain systems should be used so that roots are contained and provide with all the nutrient and moisture they need in one place. The roots then won’t grow out in search of it. Once the right kind of tree is chosen for the position and everything that the tree needs is provided, there will not be any reason to remove the tree in the future and everything and everybody will be kept safer.

Author Bio:

For the past five years I have been writing informative and quality articles on topics such as tree root system, urban forestry, water sensitive urban design and many more.