Do tree roots really break pipes?
Mostly they exploit pipes that are already cracked or have loose joints. Older Melbourne homes still have clay sewer lines with joints every metre or so, and moisture leaking from those joints attracts fine feeder roots. Once inside, the roots thicken and block the pipe. Replacing or relining the pipe fixes the cause. Removing the tree on its own often does not, because roots from other plants will find the same leak.
Signs roots are causing trouble
- Slow drains or gurgling toilets, especially after rain
- Lifted pavers, cracked driveways or paths heaving near a tree
- New cracks in brickwork on the side of the house nearest a large tree
- Surface roots in lawns that catch the mower
Your options, from least to most drastic
Clear and reline the pipe
A plumber can clear roots with a high-pressure jetter and reline the pipe so roots cannot get back in. This is usually the most cost-effective fix when the tree itself is healthy.
Install a root barrier
A vertical barrier sunk along a path, driveway or foundation redirects roots downward. It works best when installed before the damage gets bad.
Selective root pruning
Small surface roots can be cut cleanly. Structural roots are a different matter. Cutting roots larger than about 50mm in diameter close to the trunk can kill a tree or make it unstable in wind. An arborist should check which roots can safely go, following AS 4970 tree protection guidance.
Remove the tree and grind the roots
When a tree is too close to the house, has already damaged foundations or is a species known for aggressive roots, removal can be the right call. After tree removal we can grind the stump and chase the main surface roots so you can repave or replant.
Species with aggressive roots
Willows, poplars, figs, liquidambars, some eucalypts and Bangalow palms are common culprits in Melbourne gardens. If you are planting near pipes or paving, pick a smaller species and keep it at least its mature height away from structures.
Council rules still apply
A tree damaging your property is not automatically exempt from council protection. Most councils want evidence, often an arborist report and sometimes an engineer's or plumber's report, before they approve removal of a protected tree.
Neighbour's tree roots
If roots come from next door, talk to your neighbour first. In Victoria you can generally cut roots back to the boundary, but you must not kill or destabilise the tree. Get advice before cutting anything large.