Yes, tree roots can damage your sprinkler system. In fact, it's one of the most common issues that can affect how well your sprinkler system works.
You might be wondering what trees have non-invasive roots. Here are some to try: Arborvitae – This hard-working, versatile tree has a narrow, pyramidal shape and offers privacy, as well as serving as a windbreak when planted in a row.
As the roots expand, they can cause cracks or breaks in the pipes, leading to leaks or complete system failure.
With metal pipes, don't plant any trees or bushes near it or their roots (of some bushes, many trees) will find their way into a crack in the pipe and widen the crack. Then you have a real problem. Keep trees at least 20ft away from pipes. Fixing pipes can get VERY expensive.
If the trunk diameter of your plants is 3", the roots might spread 7 1/2 feet. It is safe to assume that the roots will spread at least several feet from the tree.
The article classifies several trees according to their aggressiveness for invading a drain field. Unfortunately, arborvitae isn't one of the species listed, but I couldn't find any indication that arborvitae is considered to have particularly invasive roots.
Yes, tree roots can damage your sprinkler system.
Sprinkler lines should be buried below the grass roots, and deep enough the sprinkler heads sit flush with the soil surface or slightly above grade. The depth varies depending on factors but typically ranges from eight to 12 inches.
You probably know that trees and other plants require water and nutrients to grow, but did you know that when the ground lacks moisture, their roots will seek out any other available water source? This can result in roots infiltrating and causing damage to leaking or defective sewer pipes or joints.
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.
Types of Pipes Susceptible to Tree Root Intrusion
Naturally, some types of pipe can withstand the elements better than others; this also applies to root intrusion and growth. Steel and PVC pipe lines, for instance, are the least susceptible pipe materials to root damage.
Trees are often attractive additions to any landscape but can quickly become a hazard if their roots grow into your plumbing. Tree roots can penetrate and damage pipework, resulting in costly repairs or even complete replacement of your system.
Arborvitae trees and shrubs aren't all bad, it's true. But because they can become unsightly due to needle drop and branch breaks, and because bagworms spread through them like wildfire, break up the monotony and use some other types of evergreen hedges.
Silver maple tree
They might be prized for their vibrant colour in autumn, but their root systems are one of the most invasive of all. As the roots enlarge, silver maple trees have been known to crack driveways, pavements, foundations and pipes. It's best to avoid planting this tree altogether.
Unlike plumbing issues where tree roots can crack or fill pipes, tree roots are not strong enough to break your home's foundation (although they can squeeze into a crack and force it to widen).
Check the Blueprint. Most irrigation systems have a map or layout showing the sprinkler heads' location. This blueprint is an invaluable tool for pinpointing the exact locations of the sprinkler heads, helping you avoid unnecessary digging.
My recommendation is to bury sprinkler lines 8-12 inches. I usually try to keep a standard depth of 10" because it provides more safety if I need to do some type of ground work so I don't have to worry about hitting lines. A walk-behind rototiller generally won't go deeper than 8".
Green Giant Arborvitae typically develops a root depth of about 3 to 4 feet. This depth can vary based on factors like soil type, moisture availability, and the age of the plant.
Are arborvitae roots aggressive or invasive? Thankfully, no! With a plant that gets this big, you'd think it has a monstrous root system to go along with it. Instead, it's mainly composed of shallow and thin fibrous roots that only spread as far as the aboveground width.
Like most conifers, arborvitaes will not produce new growth on older bare stems, so they don't tolerate renovation or hard pruning. Cut into the brown, and it will stay that way. To maintain plant health, don't remove any more than one-third of the live foliage area per growing season.
Arborvitae 'Blue Cone'
'Blue Cone' has an oval, almost egg-shape form and dense foliage. 'Blue Cone' arborvitae is a good choice as front yard foundation plants, for narrow spaces and small space landscape design.
However, there are a few key things to note as you don't want to plant arborvitae trees too close together, preventing them from fully developing and causing many problems in a few years. Plan to shear the trees several times through the seasons, so they do not overgrow into each other.
It will likely take about 6 weeks for your cutting to take root and may need almost constant moisture to thrive. Transplant to a bigger pot if necessary and plant your new arborvitae plant outside in the spring.