12 Foundation Plants That Crack Concrete Over Time (And 12 Root-Friendly Alternatives)

Some plants are just waiting to bust up your house — literally .

That charming bush near your front footprint ? Its solution are plot a tiresome - motion breakup with your foundation . bantam cracks today , major repairs tomorrow .

But do n’t panic — just works smarter . We ’ve assault up 12 foundation bullies that send roots deep , wide-eyed , and destructive . Think fast-growing viburnums , monster bamboo , and deceptively clean-handed - looking trees .

Then we hand you 12 root - favorable champion that act as dainty with concrete . Compact , well - behaved , and still stunning curbside . From midget coniferous tree that mind their manner to ground - huggers that fly high without heftiness - flexing resistance .

Keep the appealingness , lose the costly repair bill . It ’s time to plant for beauty and peace of judgment . Because no one wants their petunias breaking the basement .

Bamboo

Bamboo is a tight - grow plant that brings a tropical feeling to any garden . However , its aggressive root system is notorious for cracking concrete . With roots that open rapidly , bamboo can quickly become invasive . homeowner often regret planting it near foundations , as it can damage sidewalks and driveways . The roots can be challenging to contain , often ask barriers or steady maintenance to keep them in stay . Despite its entreaty , bamboo ’s ascendant behavior make it a hazardous choice for plant near structures . think alternative options if you require to debar likely morphologic terms .

Tree of Heaven

The Tree of Heaven , known for its speedy growth and resilience , can spell trouble for concrete surface . This trespassing tree ’s theme are strong-growing and can diffuse far and wide , leading to cracks in pavements and base . Its ability to grow in misfortunate territory atmospheric condition do it a uncouth choice in urban areas , but its root system can cause meaning price . The tree ’s adaptability is impressive , yet its potential for destruction have it a plant to avoid near your dwelling house . prefer for more foundation - well-disposed tree diagram to insure your property remains intact .

Willow

willow tree Tree are beloved for their refined appearance and power to thrive near body of water . However , their root word are as force to moisture , making them a threat to concrete . These roots can strain great distances in search of water , often leading to crock up foundations and low pipes . While the willow tree ’s beauty is undeniable , its ascendant organization ’s relentless pursuit for wet can leave in costly damage . debate planting willows far from any structures to enjoy their elegance without the worry of cracking concrete .

Silver Maple

Silver Maple Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree are appreciated for their fast ontogenesis and beautiful foliage , but their roots can be a nightmare . These Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree have shallow root systems that circulate wide and can well arise sidewalks or break through driveways . Their rapid development only exacerbates the problem , as the base keep lucubrate year after year . Although the fluent maple provide ample wraith , its root word system can cause important morphological issues , make it inapplicable for found near substructure . Opt for tree with less invasive roots if you want to prevent concrete damage .

Sycamore

The regal Sycamore is a sight to lay eyes on , but its roots can be damaging . get laid for their robust and extensive root systems , sycamore Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree can cause pavement turmoil and foundation cracks . Their roots spread far and encompassing , often reaching into cloaca line and get blockages . While their tower stature provides impressive nuance , the Ficus sycomorus ’s roots can be a costly job for homeowners . Planting these trees near concrete structures is badly - counsel , as their potential for destruction is in high spirits . Consider choice for a more founding - friendly landscape .

Norway Maple

Norway Maple Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree may be arresting with their vibrant fall colors , but their ascendent are a plebeian cause of concern . These root grow aggressively , often disrupting garden track , sidewalks , and even foundation . Their impenetrable and shallow rootage system is notorious for absorbing food , get out little for other plants nearby . Despite their knockout , Norway Maples can cause pregnant structural harm if implant too closemouthed to concrete . householder looking to carry on their place ’s integrity should consider less trespassing options . prefer sagely to avoid possible headache and costly repairs .

Poplar

Poplar trees are known for their rapid growth and towering presence , but their roots can present serious challenges . These theme often coat above undercoat , causing price to pavement and foundations . With a rapacious appetite for water , poplar roots can broaden far , leading to cracked concrete and blocked pipes . While their height adds drama to any landscape painting , the risks associated with poplar roots often overbalance their welfare . Avoid embed them near structures to forestall potential wipeout and maintain your prop ’s condom .

Oak

Oaks are worship for their potency and longevity , yet their roots can be every bit formidable . These tree diagram grow extensive antecedent systems that can crack concrete foundations and disrupt belowground utilities . Their roots spread both broad and thick , fix them a force to be count with . While oak leave a majestic presence and valuable shade , their voltage to cause morphologic damage hold them inapplicable for plant near building . Opt for less intrusive options to savour a beautiful landscape without the worry of tooth root - related exit .

Arborvitae

Arborvitae , with its evergreen charm , seems like a perfect garden summation . However , its roots can be unexpectedly troublesome . Though not as aggressive as some , they can still cause issues if plant too close to foundations . These theme lean to attempt moisture , potentially leading to cracks in concrete Earth’s surface . While Arborvitae is democratic for creating privacy screens , its roots ’ potential drop to cause damage should not be overlook . Plant them sagely to enjoy their beauty without the risk of infection of morphologic problems .

Mulberry

The Mulberry Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree is often admired for its fruit and degenerate increase , but its root can cause vexation . Known for spreading sharply , mulberry ancestor can easy crack concrete and invade underground pipes . Their hungriness for water drives them into places they should n’t be , leading to costly repairs . Despite their plentiful yield , mulberry Tree ’ invasive roots make them a risky choice near structure . prefer other fruit - bear trees that extend similar benefits without the risk of structural damage .

Black Locust

Black Locust trees are apprise for their strong forest and resiliency , but their roots can be problematic . bed for their power to thrive in poor grease , these roots spread quickly and can disrupt pavements and foundations . They are often find pushing through concrete , causing unsightly and costly legal injury . While Black Locust trees offer hardiness and charm , their roots ’ voltage to damage structure makes them a plant to quash near concrete . prefer for trees with less aggressive ancestor systems for a more harmonious landscape .

White Ash

White Ash trees are celebrated for their peach and shadowiness - devote ability , but their rootage can puzzle a scourge to concrete . These roots diffuse wide and deep , often causing driveways and sidewalks to crack . Their pursuit for body of water and nutrients can lead them into unwanted orbit , create morphologic problems . While the White Ash is undeniably attractive , its roots ’ voltage to damage nearby structures can not be ignored . Consider choice that offer like benefits without the risk of root - relate way out .

Japanese Maple

Japanese Maple trees are famed for their frail beauty and vivacious foliation . Unlike many large tree , their root are non - invasive and ideal for planting near foundations . These roots farm slowly and persist shallow , posing no threat to concrete surface . Their graceful appearance makes them a arrant alternative to more aggressive Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . Nipponese maple add a touch of elegance and color to any garden without the danger of structural legal injury . regard planting them for a good and beautiful landscape painting . Enjoy the peace of mind they provide with their gentle root organisation .

Dogwood

The Dogwood tree , with its ticklish blossoms , is a favorite among gardeners . Its roots are well - mannered , growing slowly and remaining shallow . This makes the Dogwood an first-class selection for planting near structures without risk damage to concrete . Beyond its beauty , the Dogwood put up seasonal interest group with its flowers and attractive bark . select Dogwood ensures a harmonious garden without the trouble of strong-growing roots . It ’s a safe and magic alternative for your landscape , providing elegance and repose . Embrace the serenity of a Dogwood - filled garden .

Serviceberry

Serviceberry tree diagram are loved for their seasonal flower and comestible Chuck Berry . Their solution are non - threatening , growing middling and posing no risk to concrete . This makes them a fantastic alternative to more trespassing trees . saskatoon not only offer up optical appealingness but also provide food for wildlife . Their manageable root system see your foundation remain intact while adding beauty to your garden . Planting Serviceberries can transmute your landscape into a vibrant and secure harbour . Enjoy the dual benefit of aesthetics and base hit they bring in .

Redbud

Redbud trees are care for for their former saltation blossoms and heart - work leafage . Their beginning are small and shallow , establish them a heady option for planting near concrete without fear of impairment . The Redbud ’s vivacious peak bring joy to any garden , create a cheerful and inviting atmosphere . As a foundation - well-disposed option , they provide beauty and peace of mind . Consider the Redbud for a charming and safe add-on to your landscape . Celebrate the burst of colour they bring each year , without the headache of root problems .

Amelanchier

Amelanchier trees , also known as Saskatoon or Juneberry , offer multi - time of year interest and non - invasive root word . Their radical grow easy and stay shallow , posing no scourge to concrete structures . With bloom in spring and vibrant leaf in fall , Amelanchiers ply year - round beauty . Their manageable ascendent organisation makes them a safe choice for understructure planting . transmute your garden with the minimize elegance of an Amelanchier , and revel the peace of mind of mind they offer . pleasure in their seasonal show without the risk of root damage .

Holly

Holly bushes are adored for their evergreen leafage and cheerful red berries . Their roots are compact and non - trespassing , making them ideal for foundation planting . Hollies add a merry touching to garden , especially during winter , when their berries supply a splatter of color . Their root pose no threat to concrete , extend a safe alternative to more belligerent plants . squeeze the versatility and charm of Holly for a trouble - free garden . Enjoy the year - round stunner they make for to your landscape painting .

Boxwood

Boxwoods are prized for their versatility and keen appearance . Their roots are well - acquit , get slowly and baffle no risk to concrete surface . These shrubs are perfect for creating down in the mouth hedge and topiaries , sum up social structure and elegance to any garden . Boxwoods ’ non - aggressive stem make them an splendid choice for foundation planting . delight the timeless appeal they bring without worrying about structural damage . Create a classical and safe garden with the addition of Boxwoods .

Lavender

Lavender is cherished for its fragrant blooms and calming comportment . Its root are small and drouth - resistant , posing no threat to concrete surfaces . idealistic for planting near foundations , lavender adds a trace of color and odor to any garden . Its manageable base system ensures safety gadget while providing beauty and a soothing standard pressure . Consider lavender for a stress - free and aromatic increase to your landscape . cover the tranquility it offers without the headache of root problems .

Hydrangea

Hydrangeas are beloved for their large , vivacious blooms and lush foliage . Their roots are moderate and non - trespassing , relieve oneself them secure for planting near foundations . These shrub add a splash of color to gardens , providing optical pursuit throughout the growing season . Hydrangeas ’ accomplishable roots ensure no peril to concrete , reach them a wise option for any landscape . Enjoy their smasher and spell without the worry of structural issues . Welcome the elegance of Hydrangeas into your garden .

Perennial Geranium

Perennial Geraniums offer long - lasting heyday and a soft , cottage - garden feel . Their roots are shallow and non - invading , making them worthy for plant near concrete surface . These charming efflorescence bring colour and texture to gardens without threatening creation . The gentle nature of their ascendent check prophylactic , take into account for devil-may-care planting . look at Perennial Geraniums for a delicious and secure addition to your landscape . Enjoy the whimsical touch they add to any garden setting .

Heuchera

Heuchera , also have intercourse as Coral Bells , is prized for its colorful leaf and delicate rosiness . Its roots are compendious and non - aggressive , make it a safe pick for foundation planting . With a across-the-board range of foliage colors , Heuchera add together class - round involvement to gardens . Their doable solution ensure no risk to concrete , offering a unafraid alternative to more invasive plants . encompass the beauty and guard of Heuchera in your landscape . translate your garden with their vivacious presence .

Wisteria

Wisteria , with its enthrall purple flower , can transmute any garden into a whimsical escape . However , beneath its romanticistic facade lies a powerful root system capable of topple fencing and cracking concrete . These roots aggressively look for out wet , making them a terror to nearby substructure . Many nurseryman love Wisteria for its beauty , but it ’s wise to imbed it out from social system or use containers to restrain its growth . Surprisingly , this seemingly gentle plant can become a redoubtable foe if not manage the right way . For those enchanted by its elegance , look at detain its roots to keep unwanted damage .

12 Foundation Plants That Crack Concrete Over Time (And 12 Root-Friendly Alternatives)