How Tree Roots Can Compromise Your Foundation and Plumbing in Georgia Homes

Introduction: The Hidden Dangers Beneath Georgia Soil

If you’re a homeowner in Marietta, Atlanta, or the surrounding suburbs, the towering trees in your yard are likely a point of pride. Shady oaks, fragrant magnolias, and graceful pines give Georgia neighborhoods their charm. But what many homeowners don’t realize is that those same trees—especially the roots beneath them—could be stealthily damaging your home’s foundation and plumbing.

Tree root intrusion is one of the most misunderstood causes of structural and plumbing issues in Georgia homes. During home inspections across metro Atlanta—from Sandy Springs to Smyrna—we’ve seen firsthand how unchecked root systems can lead to expensive repairs, drainage failures, and even foundation instability.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how roots cause damage, which Georgia trees are the worst offenders, what signs to watch for, and what you can do to protect your home. Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply maintaining your home, understanding the risks of root intrusion is critical.

Let’s dig in.

How Tree Roots Behave in Georgia’s Soil

1.

Why Georgia’s Red Clay Makes Root Intrusion Worse

Georgia’s infamous red clay isn’t just a pain to dig through—it also plays a major role in root expansion and moisture movement. Clay soils expand when wet and contract when dry, creating movement around your foundation that can cause cracking. Tree roots exploit these shifts, traveling long distances in search of moisture, and often find it around your home’s foundation or leaking pipes.

Atlanta’s wet summers and occasional droughts create perfect conditions for root growth spurts. And because red clay holds water unevenly, trees will stretch their roots toward the consistent moisture supplied by your plumbing.

2.

How Far Can Roots Travel?

Many homeowners assume roots only grow as far as the tree canopy. Unfortunately, roots can travel 2–3 times the diameter of the canopy. That means even a tree 30 feet from your home can affect your plumbing and foundation. In metro Atlanta neighborhoods where space is tight and landscaping is mature, this creates a recipe for hidden damage.

How Roots Damage Foundations

1.

Moisture Extraction & Soil Movement

Roots don’t destroy foundations by brute force. Instead, they extract moisture from the surrounding soil. In red clay, this creates shrinkage pockets, causing the soil to settle unevenly beneath the slab or footings.

This leads to:

• Foundation cracks

• Slab heaving

• Interior drywall cracks

• Sloped or uneven flooring

The issue is worse in drier seasons when trees pull more moisture from the ground.

2.

Root Pressure Against Foundation Walls

In crawlspaces and basements, especially in older homes around Decatur, Roswell, or East Point, roots can physically press against foundation walls. Over time, this pressure can lead to bowing walls, mortar joint separation, or even structural compromise in concrete block foundations.

We’ve inspected homes where roots have forced their way through tiny cracks in foundation walls and grown several feet inside the crawlspace.

3.

Exacerbation of Existing Issues

Roots love pre-existing foundation vulnerabilities. They follow paths of least resistance—cracks, moisture, or poorly compacted backfill—and worsen them. If your foundation already has minor settling, roots can accelerate the deterioration significantly.

How Roots Infiltrate Plumbing Systems

1.

Roots in Sewer Lines

Clay and cast iron sewer lines—common in older Marietta and Atlanta homes—are particularly vulnerable to intrusion. These materials often have joints that deteriorate over time, allowing roots to sneak in and grow inside the pipe. Once inside, they feed on nutrients in wastewater and expand rapidly.

Common symptoms:

• Slow drains

• Gurgling toilets

• Backups in tubs or showers

• Foul odors

In worst cases, the pipe collapses entirely, requiring excavation and replacement.

2.

Cracked or Displaced Pipes

Tree roots can also cause structural damage to PVC pipes by displacing them over time, especially if the pipes are shallow or unprotected. Roots don’t need to crush the pipe entirely to create leaks—small displacements can still cause long-term water damage or soil erosion beneath your slab.

Signs Tree Roots Are Damaging Your Home

• New cracks in drywall or ceilings

• Uneven or sagging floors

• Persistent plumbing backups

• Soft, damp spots in the yard

• Sewer odors outside or indoors

• Mildew or musty smells in the crawlspace

• Visible roots near the foundation

• Sudden increase in water bills

These red flags should never be ignored. If you’re buying a home in metro Atlanta, a sewer scope inspection is strongly recommended—even if the home looks clean inside.

What to Do If You Suspect Root Intrusion

1.

Schedule a Home Inspection

Our team at Reynolds Home and Property Solutions performs thorough inspections, including thermal imaging, foundation assessments, and sewer scope evaluations. We know exactly what root-related damage looks like and can spot signs that others miss.

If you’re in Marietta, Sandy Springs, Roswell, or the greater Atlanta metro, book an inspection before damage becomes a financial disaster.

2.

Get a Licensed Sewer Scope Evaluation

Don’t guess. A sewer scope can reveal root intrusion inside pipes without costly excavation. If roots are discovered, the inspector will document the extent and recommend repair options.

⚠️ Always use a licensed and insured plumber or sewer specialist in Georgia. DIY root removal often leads to further pipe damage or incomplete solutions.

3.

Work With a Licensed Arborist

If a tree is identified as the source of intrusion, a licensed arborist can assess the health of the tree, the extent of root spread, and whether removal or root barriers are needed. Don’t just cut roots—this can destabilize the tree and create a hazard.

4.

Install Root Barriers and Redirect Drainage

After addressing immediate concerns:

• Install root barriers between trees and foundation

• Grade the yard properly to keep water away from the house

• Repair any leaking outdoor spigots or irrigation

• Use pipe sleeve systems for replacement sewer lines

Georgia Building Code Considerations

In Georgia, the plumbing code requires:

• Minimum 10-foot distance between trees and sewer lines during installation

• Proper backfill around foundation walls to prevent settling

• Vapor barriers in crawlspaces to combat moisture (which attracts roots)

If your home predates modern code—or if it was improperly built—root intrusion is a far greater risk.

FAQs: Tree Roots & Home Inspections in Georgia

Can tree roots really break concrete?

Not exactly. They exploit cracks, dry out the soil underneath, and exert pressure. Over time, this leads to cracking and movement.

How much does it cost to fix root damage in sewer lines?

Repairs can range from $1,500 for minor snaking and relining to $10,000+ for full excavation and replacement.

Should I remove all trees near my home?

No. Trees provide value and shade. Instead, monitor them, use barriers, and consult professionals.

Will a home inspector catch root damage?

A quality home inspector will identify signs, but a sewer scope or foundation expert may be needed for confirmation. At Reynolds Home and Property Solutions, we include strong recommendations when we see root risk indicators.

How do I know if it’s tree roots or just old plumbing?

A sewer scope inspection provides the answer. If you’re in Atlanta or Marietta, we can help coordinate this service with trusted pros.

Protecting Your Atlanta-Area Home from Below the Surface

Tree roots are silent intruders that often go unnoticed until major damage is done. But with the right inspection, a bit of preventative maintenance, and awareness of Georgia’s unique soil conditions, you can stay ahead of expensive repairs.

Whether you’re buying a home in Kennesaw or living in a decades-old Atlanta bungalow, don’t wait for cracks or backups to appear. Let a trusted local inspector—someone who understands Georgia’s climate, codes, and vegetation—evaluate your home’s condition thoroughly.

Call to Action: Get Root-Aware Home Inspections in Atlanta

Reynolds Home and Property Solutions offers expert home inspections in Marietta, Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Roswell, and beyond. We know what to look for beneath the surface—and we use thermal scanning, moisture meters, and sewer scopes to deliver peace of mind.

🌳 Suspect root issues? Book your inspection today at www.reynoldshomeandpropertysolutions.com and let’s protect your home from the ground up.