Some trees do more than just add aesthetic value to your garden; they can also be incredibly practical. Think of those that provide cool, welcoming shade on hot days or offer natural privacy and wind protection.
However, most people don’t realise that there are some plant species that can actually do the opposite, creating a problem underground that you don’t even realise until it’s too late. Those with aggressive or invasive root systems can damage foundations, underground pipes, and nearby plants, leaving you with costly repairs and a garden that’s much harder to manage.
If you suspect an invasive root problem, you will likely need to have the tree removed by a professional arborist, who can safely remove both the tree and the problematic roots before it can cause further damage.
Key takeaways
- Avoid planting species with aggressive root systems, such as camphor laurels, figs, and willows, as they can damage pipes, driveways, and even building foundations.
- From cracked concrete and blocked drains to lifted paving and unstable foundations, the damage from invasive roots often worsens over time if left untreated.
- Choosing the right species is the best way to prevent this issue. It’s worth doing some research when deciding on the species you want and avoid the 11 species listed to prevent future issues.
- If invasive roots are already causing damage, trimming them may only offer temporary relief. Contacting a professional arborist is the only permanent way to prevent this issue from reoccuring.
What damage can invasive roots cause?
When a tree’s roots become invasive, they become a liability for property owners. Here are some of the issues invasive roots can cause:
- They can create an uneven surface and pose a safety hazard
- They can infiltrate drainage networks and pipes (including septic lines)
- They can buckle and warp footpaths, paving, and driveways
- They can shift retaining walls
- They can lift and destabilise the foundation of a building
- They make it difficult to cultivate the ground around the trees
- They can emigrate to nearby properties and cause damage there
- They can be expensive to remove
The signs of invasive roots and what to look for
As you can see, invasive tree roots can cause significant damage to the internal and external structures that surround a home. If you have a tree with invasive roots, you can tell that it’s doing damage to your paving and driveway if you see:
- Cracks in the tile or in the concrete
- Bumps or exposed roots in the general area
- The tiling or concrete surfaces are buckling
Regarding the drains of your home, you know invasive tree roots are causing damage if you notice:
- Clogged drains
- Slow-flowing drains
- A change in water pressure
If invasive tree roots are causing damage to the foundation, you’ll notice:
- Cracks in the foundational flooring
- Vertical cracks running along the foundational walls
- Uneven windows/door frames
- The floor surfaces are buckling
- Shattered/cracked windows
If you notice any of these effects taking place, it may be necessary to call in our tree removal services, and after that, our stump grinding services.
Common trees with invasive roots
Certain tree species should be avoided to prevent the structural damage their invasive roots can cause.
Here is the list of 11 trees with invasive roots in Australia:
1. Camphor Laurel
Camphor laurels can grow up to 20 metres tall, and they have a large canopy and a short, stout trunk. They typically grow in areas with a lot of rainfall, across a wide range of soil types.
These types of trees don’t have many natural predators or fall victim to any serious diseases, and they produce seeds quickly. In South East Queensland and New South Wales, this tree is considered a significant environmental weed.
The camphor laurel is self-propagating and grows extremely quickly, and because of this, its root system is notorious for damaging sewer pipes.
2. White Poplar
Poplars are deciduous trees that can grow up to 20 metres tall, with white or grey trunks and smooth bark. They’re typically planted as ornamental trees and love deep, moist soil; their roots often stretch long distances to find water.
They are known for blocking pipes, lifting paving, and causing damage to foundations.
3. Evergreen Figs 
Evergreen fig trees, also known as ficuses, are pruned to have a ball at the top and grown as decoration in ornamental pots. But if they’re grown in a garden, they can be problematic. The root systems of these trees are strong and aggressive, and they can cause damage to paving, sewer systems, retaining walls, and even foundations.
Even when these trees are grown in pots, their roots can still escape. If the pot is not elevated, the roots might grow out of the drainage holes of the pot and find soil to invade.
4. Evergreen Alders
These trees can grow to enormous sizes, so they are not suitable for a typical backyard. These roots are strong enough to lift fences, break pipes, and buckle paving. Their canopies can spread across multiple yards and block sunlight, all the while the roots use up all available space in the soil. In New South Wales, these trees are not permitted to be grown in backyards.
5. Pride of Bolivia
The Pride of Bolivia is a deciduous tree known for its rapid growth. It can reach up to 10 metres tall and is adaptable to most environments. It can be recognised by its vibrant yellow/orange flowers and reddish/brown bark.
While this tree is nice to look at, its root system is aggressive enough to lift driveways, damage foundations, and damage retaining walls. In many parts of Queensland, it is considered a harmful weed.
6. Palms
When palm trees are young, they can create a backyard that gives off tropical vibes. But as palms grow, their expanding root systems have the strength to lift pavers and damage retaining walls.
7. Eucalyptus Trees
7. Eucalyptus TreesEucalyptus trees, also known as gum trees, can vary in height, shape, and colour, but all shapes and sizes are problematic for planting near your home. They have aggressive root systems that spread far and wide, causing foundational damage to homes.
8. Liquidambar
Liquidambar trees are known for their rapid growth and large size. They can get up to 25 metres high and 12 metres wide. They are conical trees with fine-toothed leaves that range in colour from orange to red to purple.
But even though these trees are easy on the eyes, they have aggressive root systems that can clog stormwater pipes – so they do best when planted in parks and larger gardens.
9. Silver Maple
Silver maples are attractive trees that grow quickly in the shade and can get up to 12 metres tall. Their leaves have a distinct silver underside, and in Autumn they can range from greenish brown to greenish yellow.
But these roots are among the most invasive. As they grow, they can crack pavement, driveways, pipes, and foundations. They do well when planted in parks, gardens, and private properties.
10. Southern Magnolia
The Southern magnolia is a beautiful tree that forms a dome shape with glossy green leaves. Their cup-shaped flowers are white and appear in spring and summer, and their beauty is what attracts people to this tree.
This tree can grow quite large, and many are too big for a typical garden. They have knotted root systems that spread wildly and cause structural damage, crowd the under-soil space, and leave no room for other plants to grow.
11. Willow Tree
Willows are deciduous trees with long, narrow leaves and flower stalks adorned with tons of tiny flowers. But their large and aggressive root systems can spread up to 40 metres and cause extensive damage to drains, roads, and pavements. They are considered a harmful weed in Victoria and New South Wales.
How to control invasive roots and when to reach out to the professionals
If you’re worried about tree roots damaging your home, driveway, or surrounding properties, prevention is always the best approach. When planting new trees, choose species with non-invasive root systems and avoid any trees listed in this article.
For existing trees, trimming or pruning invasive roots can provide short-term relief. However, this is only a temporary measure. Over time, the roots will continue to spread and can cause significant structural damage.
To confirm whether you’re dealing with an invasive root problem, inspect the area around the tree by digging near the base and checking if the roots are extending horizontally or downward into critical areas.
If the roots are already affecting your property, professional removal is the safest and most effective solution. Our certified arborists at A-Local Tree Service have the expertise and equipment to safely remove both the tree and its invasive root system.
