To protect your plumbing, choose evergreens with compact, slow-growing, or fibrous root systems. While tree roots usually don’t break intact pipes, they aggressively infiltrate older, leaking pipes to reach water and nutrients.
Recommended Trees and Bushes
The following bush species also have aggressive root systems: boxwood shrubs, holly bushes and shrubs, and ivy plants. Trees that are typically recommended near pipes include Amur maple, Japanese maple, dogwood, redbud, and fringetree.
5 Trees That Will Damage Pipes
In O'Herrin's experience, some trees are more likely to overtake sewer lines. In his 18 years as an urban forester in the Midwest and South, he has witnessed problems with elm trees, willow trees, silver maples, and red maples.
Magnolia Trees
Magnolia tree root systems tend to grow along the Earth's surface instead of growing deep into the ground. The combination of the flexibility from the rope-like roots and the shallow surface growth makes it easy for these trees to damage the surrounding home's structure and plumbing system.
The safest trees to plant near a house are compact, slow-growing ornamentals with non-invasive root systems. The best options include the Japanese Maple (ideal for color and patios), Eastern Redbud (spring blooms), Crepe Myrtle (summer color), and Serviceberry.
Bill Gates argued against relying on planting trees as a primary solution to climate change, calling the idea "complete nonsense". He believes tree planting is insufficient, unproven at scale, and distraction from necessary technological solutions like direct air capture, arguing that emissions reduction requires fundamental industrial changes rather than relying on reforestation.
What Trees Should Not Be Planted Close to a House?
Plant trees a few yards away from the trench and use bottlebrush, shrubby grevilleas and junipers. Never plant figs, eucalypti, willows, liquidambars, jacarandas, poplars, oleanders, maples and camphor trees near sewage or drainage pipes or septic sinks.
Are tree roots in a sewer line covered by insurance? Not usually. While insurance may help cover damage to your property caused by tree roots, it generally won't cover costs associated specifically with the sewer lines.
The "135-degree rule" in plumbing states that the total (aggregate) horizontal change in direction for a drainage pipe—specifically trap arms—cannot exceed 135 degrees between the P-trap and the vent. Exceeding 135 degrees (such as using three 45-degree bends or a 90 and two 45s) requires a cleanout because sharp turns hinder flow and cause clogs.
PMRs for malignancies of the stomach, kidney, brain, and lymphopoietic system were also elevated, especially among plumbers. Chronic rheumatic heart disease, emphysema, liver cirrhosis, and all external causes of death were the major non-cancer causes with significantly elevated PMRs.
Trees that soak up the most water—acting as natural sponges for soggy yards and flood-prone areas—include Willows, Bald Cypress, River Birch, and Red Maples. These thirsty species have aggressive, water-seeking root systems and canopy structures built for heavy hydration.
High-Pressure Water Jetters
Like a cable-style drain cleaning machine, jetters have ways to mechanically remove roots from the inside of a pipe.
Certain fast-growing trees and wetland shrubs soak up the most water. The Weeping Willow and Bald Cypress are champion water drinkers, with mature trees absorbing hundreds of gallons daily. For smaller areas, shrubs like the Red Twig Dogwood and perennials like the Cardinal Flower excel at draining wet spots.
Preventing tree roots from damaging pipes requires a combination of smart landscaping, physical barriers, and targeted maintenance to deter roots from seeking out moisture and nutrients.
Fall is the best time of year to plant new trees, from early September through late October. Fall's cooler temperatures and increased rain allow trees to establish their root systems quickly, giving them a jump-start on spring growth. Tree root growth continues late in fall, until soil temperatures drop below 40°F.
Avoid making guesses or unsupported statements about what caused the damage to your property. Speculating can lead to inaccuracies in the adjuster's report, potentially affecting your claim.
In California's older neighborhoods – especially where large trees stand – pipes are prone to root intrusion. The cost to clear roots from a pipe varies widely, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the severity of the blockage, the removal method, and the location of your property.
When it comes to insuring your home, the 80% rule is an important guideline to keep in mind. This rule suggests you should insure your home for at least 80% of its total replacement cost to avoid penalties for being underinsured.
To avoid damaging pipes, choose smaller, slow-growing trees with non-aggressive, deep taproots rather than spreading surface roots. Excellent sewer-safe options for Southern California include Japanese Maples, Desert Willows, Crape Myrtles, and Crabapples. Always plant trees at least 10 to 15 feet away from your main sewer line.
However, recent failures and the lawsuits that have followed those failures lead to the idea that PEX plumbing systems aren't as good as once assumed. PEX systems can fail in either the pipe or in the fitting. The most notable failure occurs when the fittings fail and water starts leaking and causing visible damage.
Chemical root killers are the fastest DIY method to dissolve and kill tree roots. Foaming root killers containing dichlobenil or traditional copper sulfate crystals are flushed down your toilet. They kill invading roots on contact, causing them to decay and wash away over a few weeks.
The 11 Worst Trees For Your Home
Tree roots from fast-growing, water-seeking species with aggressive, shallow lateral root systems pose the highest risk to foundations. Key culprits include willows, poplars, silver maples, oaks, and American elms, which can cause significant structural damage by dehydrating soil and infiltrating existing cracks.
The best small tree to plant near a house has a non-invasive root system and a canopy that won't crowd the structure. Top choices include the Japanese Maple, Kousa Dogwood, and Crepe Myrtle, which offer beautiful seasonal colors and safe, shallow roots.