Tree And Planter Dangers

All About Tree and Planter Dangers

Trees and planters are generally a desirable feature of home landscaping, but they can pose a threat to buildings in a number of different ways. Trees and planters installed too close to your structure can cause damage to the foundation or to the exterior wall, causing stucco or cladding deterioration, which is easy access for moisture into your home’s interior. In addition:

• Roots can sometimes penetrate a building’s foundation through pre-existing cracks.
• Large root systems that extend beneath a house can cause foundation uplift.
• Roots can leech water from the soil beneath foundations, causing the structures to settle and sink unevenly.
• Leaves and broken branches can clog gutters, potentially causing ice dams or water penetration into the building.
• Tree roots can potentially penetrate underground drainage pipes, especially when they leak. Water that leaks from drainage or sanitary pipes can encourage root growth in the direction of the leak, where the roots may eventually enter the pipe and obstruct its flow.

Recently we completed a mold inspection where a large tree and planter were installed next to the client’s home. The tree was visibly touching the client’s home as well as the planter’s soil was covering the entire weep screed and covering about 4 feet of the exterior wall. This poses a large risk for moisture intrusion. Soil and plants hold water and the longer that water impacts the exterior wall the greater risk for moisture intrusion. In this specific inspection, the tree in addition to the soil had penetrated the exterior wall causing moisture intrusion to the interior also causing mold growth at the entire garage wall.

To make matters worse the area of the mold contamination had spread to a common shared wall with the master bedroom. The client had reported feeling very sick and suffering other symptoms related to mold exposure. We quickly found this source so that the client could begin mold remediation and start their journey to a healthy home.

If you suspect mold in your home or are wary of the indoor air quality of your home call Guaranteed Property and Mold Inspection at (949) 239-3727. You will have a FREE phone consultation with a CERTIFIED mold inspector, we can have a CERTIFIED mold inspector to your home the same day to assess your property.