Pine trees are popular for landscaping because of their beautiful, evergreen needles and sturdy branches. Besides being attractive additions to any property, pine trees have many practical uses. For example, they can provide shade from the sun in the summer or a windbreak during the winter months.
They also produce cones that make beautiful decorations. However, even with all these benefits, there is one downside: if you don’t care for the roots properly, your tree won’t flourish.
What Are Pine Tree Roots and What Do They Do?
Pine tree roots grow deep into the soil, searching for water and nutrients. They also anchor the tree in place and help to store food reserves. The length of a pine tree’s roots can vary depending on the soil type.
The deeper the soil, the longer the roots will be. Most are about five to twenty feet, depending on the size and age of the tree. However, in dry or sandy soil with fewer nutrients, they can grow much longer.
Some pine tree roots have been known to reach a depth of 40 feet or more. If you have a pine tree close to your home, the roots can sometimes cause damage to sidewalks, driveways, and foundations. That’s why it’s essential to plant your tree within enough distance from your home to provide shade but not cause any damage.
Can Pine Tree Roots Damage Septic Systems?
Pine tree roots can also be a problem for septic systems. If they grow too close, they can clog the system or even cause it to fail. Install septic systems with enough distance from pine trees (and any other type of tree) to protect them from damage.
For problems with your septic system or any other underground plumbing and pine tree roots, you’ll need to contact a professional tree service. The company can inspect the area and develop a plan to remove the roots or entire tree to prevent damage to your septic system or provide the space to make repairs. Don’t fix a septic system with punctures or other damage on your own.
You could end up making the problem worse and costing yourself a lot of money. Instead, consult with a plumbing service to get the help you need.
How Far Should Pine Trees Be Planted From Your Home?
How far you should plant pine trees from your home depends on several factors. You want the trees for shade and privacy. However, you don’t want the roots to cause any damage to your home.
Consult with an arborist to get their professional opinion on how far away from your home is to plant your pine trees. Though a good rule of thumb is to plant them at least 10 feet away from your home, it might be necessary to plant them even further away. For example, if you have a septic system, you’ll need to give the roots plenty of space to grow.
Also, living in an area prone to heavy winds might require a greater distance between your home and the trees. When planting pine trees, be sure to consider their mature size. You don’t want to add a small tree and then have to move it a few years later because it’s grown too large.
As part of your planning, remember that soil conditions and climate can also influence how far away you should plant the trees.
Other Considerations When Planting Pine Trees
The roots will grow toward water and nutrients. When you are planting a pine tree, be sure to take this into account. If you have a garden or other plants near the tree, the roots will invade and take over the area.
Also, the pines and plants will compete for water and nutrients, which can be detrimental to both health of both. Don’t forget about the sun. Although it won’t affect the roots, it will determine the direction the tree will grow.
You don’t want to have to trim branches regularly to keep them from blocking the windows or damaging the roof.
Pine Trees Are an Excellent Addition to Any Landscape
In the end, it’s important to remember that pine tree roots can be a problem if not taken into consideration. You can avoid any potential damage by planting them the proper distance away from your home and considering their root system. Pine trees are a beautiful addition to any property, but it’s essential to consider their roots.
These long, deep roots can cause damage if not planted correctly. By following these tips, you can enjoy the shade and privacy a pine tree provides without worrying about the damage its roots might cause.