EFFECTS OF TREE ROOTS ON CONCRETE STRUCTURES

It is a general knowledge that trees and concrete are often incompatible.

Truly, human beings benefit a lot from the trees in their environment but the effects of tree roots on concrete structures are enormous, even to the extent of causing damages of different forms on such structures.

It is usual that we see such effects daily around us but without paying much attention to them, which later lead to direct damage or outright collapse of our structures as a result of negligence.

Growth of Phycus that could lead to cracking

Tree roots cause enormous damages to concrete structures (e.g drains, curbs, driveways, walkways, e.t.c) and the repair of these damages has been a major cost to property owners. These damages may also lead to injuries for the users or occupants, hence, the need to take them seriously.

Disintegration of a paving slab caused by a tree’s roots

Common trees that affect concrete structures with their effects are listed below:


Usually, trees with fibrous roots (e.g Almond Tree) are the most dangerous and destructive species that cause countless damages.

It has also been researched and reported that roots of Almond Trees, apart from their fibrosity, secrete some chemicals which are antagonistic to the perenniality of concrete structures during their service life. 

Tree roots causing cracks in a concrete pavement

The extent of damages that tree roots can cause to concrete structures ranges from traceable cracks, distortion, disintegration, to even collapse of the entire structure.

Tree roots buckling concrete driveway

On this note, engineers should become aware of this challenge before and during construction of structures in areas where there are trees, especially Almond, Teak and Neem.

Also, landscapers, who want to plant trees to beautify an area, are not left behind as it would help them in making the right choices when choosing the species of trees or plants that suit the area without jeopardizing the durability and service life of the structures.

On reducing these occurrences, engineers should adhere strictly to the generalized distance at which a concrete structure can exist with respect to an existing tree, while landscapers should always plant their tress at some distance away from existing structures.


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