All different kinds of trees can potentially harm you sewage system. Unfortunately, many people are not aware of this. In this post, we’ll show you the most dangerous trees for your sewage system.

Plan carefully when planting trees and check existing ones regularly. Damage caused by tree roots can block your drains and lead to costly repairs. It’s better to prepare and maintain instead of waiting for something to go wrong.

What happens when you plant to close to a drain

Trees to Avoid Planting Near Your Pipe System

1. Silver Maple

Silver maple is a tree that grows fast and big. You can recognise it based on the big shade it casts, and it´s tiny and fragile branches. This tree type is known for the damage it causes to paths and walkways. If you have a nice driveway to your house, stay away from planting this tree.

Another potential risk with this tree is the brittle limbs that are weak because the tree grows so fast. Damages to your property during storms from falling branches can be the end result.

2. Camphor Laurel or Camphorwood Tree

This tree can grow up to 65 to 100 foot. It is a massive evergreen and needs a lot of nourishment. The leaves are waxy and glossy and smell of camphor when crushed. It´s a beautiful tree with fruits and small white flowers, but it is a disaster for your property as well.

The massive roots of this tree can cause massive damage to your power lines and underground drainpipes.

3. All Kind of Poplars

Poplars come in 25 to 30 different variations and are very common. The trees can grow from 49 to 164 feet, and the leaves are spirally arranged. They vary in shape from triangular to circular and are quite long.

If you consider placing poplars on your property, plan to plant at least 15 metres from your sewage lines.

4. Willow Trees

This trees also comes in a lot of variations. Look for elongated leaves that have serrated edges. But what makes these trees so dangerous? The roots are known for their toughness, size, and tenacity to life, and roots readily grow from aerial parts of the plant as well. Willows are survival artists and will spread their roots to your pipes and tanks in no time.

But why is it that trees are seemingly reaching out and damaging sewer systems? The roots of a tree are “programmed” to search for everything the tree needs to grow and live. They are looking for food and water. And your sewage system is a place abundant of resources the tree needs; oxygen, water, and nutritional minerals that are in your pipes.

Some trees are more aggressive in the search for a meal because they have to be more assertive against other trees. They develop new, more advancing strategies for survival daily.  The above tree types are some of the most combative ones and are unsuitable for planting in your garden if it’s close to your home.

For further information about tree maintenance and drain cleaning, give us a call now, and we can discuss your tree —sewage situation and help you fix it quickly.