Tree Roots and Foundations: What Homeowners in the DFW Metroplex Need to Know

When most people picture tree roots, they imagine them plunging deep into the ground like a mirror image of the tree above. For decades, that was the accepted idea. But modern research shows that, most like anything in life, reality is more nuanced: while trees are genetically capable of growing very deep roots, their actual root architecture is shaped by local soil conditions, water availability, and compaction.

In many urban and suburban environments—including much of the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex—tree roots tend to grow horizontally and stay closer to the surface. That’s not because trees can’t grow deep roots, but because clay-heavy soils, compaction, and drainage issues limit how deep roots can penetrate. In fact, under ideal conditions, roots can extend more than 20 feet into the soil, but in compacted urban soils, they may remain within just the top 18 to 24 inches.

This shallow rooting habit matters for homeowners because it directly influences how trees interact with a home’s foundation.

The DFW Metroplex is known for its expansive clay soils, which expand significantly when wet and contract just as dramatically when dry. This constant movement puts stress on foundations, driveways, and sidewalks.

Tree roots complicate the situation further:

Roots extract large volumes of water from the soil to sustain the tree, which can make nearby clay soils shrink faster and unevenly.

Because many roots remain near the surface, they compete directly with the soil around shallow foundations and slabs.

During dry seasons, this can create differential settling—one side of a foundation sinks more than another—leading to cracks, gaps, and misaligned doors or windows.

In other words, they change the moisture balance in the soil, causing shifts that destabilize the foundation over time.

How Trees and Roots Can Damage Foundations:

- Moisture Extraction

Tree roots pull water from the soil, drying out clay and causing it to contract.

This leads to uneven support under the foundation, especially in slab-on-grade homes common in DFW.

- Soil Heaving

During rainy seasons, clay soils expand again. Repeated cycles of shrink-swell create stress cracks in foundations.

- Physical Root Growth

While roots don’t usually “break through” concrete, they can grow into small cracks, plumbing leaks, or weak spots, making damage worse over time.

- Drainage Interference

Tree roots may clog or break underground drainage pipes, creating water buildup near foundations.

But the question is, as a homeowner, what can you do to prevent this?- Smart Landscaping Choices

While trees bring shade, beauty, and higher property values, homeowners need to plant and maintain them wisely to avoid foundation trouble. Here are some preventive steps:

Mind the distance. A good rule of thumb: plant trees at least as far from the house as their mature height. For example, a tree that will grow 40 feet tall should be at least 40 feet away from the foundation.

Choose the right species. Some trees, like live oaks, elms, and hackberries, have aggressive, wide-ranging root systems that thrive in DFW soils. Smaller ornamental trees pose less risk when planted near homes. You can check our previous post where we touch upon the best choices for plants, shrubs and trees in the DFW area based on your specific soil type here:https://www.ifixconstruction.com/post/a-matter-of-landscaping

Install root barriers. Root barriers are physical or chemical systems placed in the ground between trees and a foundation to redirect roots downward or away. They don’t hurt the tree but help protect nearby structures.

Water evenly. One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is inconsistent watering. By keeping the soil moisture around your foundation balanced—even during droughts—you reduce shrink-swell cycles. Soaker hoses or irrigation systems can help.

You can learn more about irrigation and soaker hoses here:https://www.ifixconstruction.com/post/irrigation-systems-by-perimeter-wallshttps://www.ifixconstruction.com/post/soaker-hoses-and-how-they-benefit-your-foundation

Maintain proper grading. Ensure soil slopes away from the foundation so rainwater drains properly and doesn’t pool near the base of your home.

But what if damage has already taken place?

If you’re already seeing signs of foundation distress—cracks in walls, doors sticking, sloping floors, or gaps around windows—roots and soil movement may be contributing factors. At this stage, preventive steps may not be enough; repair and professional intervention are key.

Foundation repair solutions often involve installing piers or pilings to support the foundation below the active soil layer, reducing the impact of shrink-swell cycles.

Plumbing inspections should be done, since tree roots can infiltrate or damage pipes, leading to leaks that further destabilize soil.

Root pruning or removal may be necessary in some cases, but this should be done carefully by an arborist to avoid killing the tree or creating instability.

Of course, Ongoing Maintenance is going to be essential- once trees are established near your home, you’ll need to:

Monitor soil moisture year-round.

Inspect foundations seasonally for new cracks or shifts.

Trim trees and manage growth to reduce water demand.

Maintain gutters, downspouts, and drainage systems to keep water away from the foundation.

Remember, tree roots aren’t inherently destructive—they’re simply doing their job of seeking water and nutrients. But in the clay-heavy soils of the DFW Metroplex, their presence close to a home can spell trouble for foundations. By understanding how roots grow, why DFW soil makes foundations vulnerable, and what preventive steps you can take, you can enjoy the benefits of trees without risking costly structural damage.

And if your foundation is already showing warning signs, don’t wait. Call the experts at iFix Foundation Repair—the most trusted name in North Texas foundation care—to protect your home for the long run.