The following set of images illustrates the potential damage which can occur to site structures when certain varieties of trees are planted on a site. Care should be taken when choosing site vegetation to ensure damage to walkways, decks, walls and foundations do not occur. The best way to avoid such damage is to consult with a landscape arborist during the planning stage of site landscaping.
Palm tree root damage of enclosed masonry planter. Planter does not allow
for growth of tree. Strong roots can push and crack even steel-reinforced
planter walls.
Foundation damage due to large eucalyptus tree planted next to residence.
When the tree was planted, it was small. As the tree grew, roots expanded
and lifted portions of the foundation system.
Damage to pool decking caused by nearby Ficus trees. Ficus roots are known
to be particularly damaging. Light weight concrete decking is no match for
strong Ficus roots.
Damage to concrete curbing and street pavement caused by extensive root system
of Coral tree. This variety of tree can be observed along the median strip
of San Vicente Blvd.
A large Podocarpus tree to the left of the image caused about 12 inches of
uplift and associated cracking of the pool decking on the opposite side of the
pool. This picture was taken after the repairs had been performed.
Podocarpus trees are considered to be one of the most damaging varieties of
trees to decking, walls, floor slabs and foundations. Great care must be
exercised in locating this type of tree on your site.
Damage to asphalt street pavement,
sidewalks and concrete curbing causing by extensive root
system of large Ficus trees.
This picture shows damage to an unreinforced brick wall caused by a large nearby
eucalyptus tree.