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Plants are major value additions for your property. For example, large trees provide shade and mature beauty to any property. Grass is a must; and shrubs along exterior walls can absorb water that would otherwise seep into your foundation and harm the soil underneath it. However, plants can also be dangerous in ways beyond poison ivy or hallucinogenic wild berries. Root damage to your foundation, for one, can be expensive to repair. The natural order of plants can also do other harm to your property. Here are 4 ways that your plants can be destructive if you do not keep an eye on them.
Power Line Problems
High, mature tree branches can reach where you don't want them, in the same way a child would. You need to hire tree pruners to keep branches from reaching into power lines or they can cause power failure or even fires. Some cities even levy fines to homeowners who do not take care to keep their tree branches away from all power lines.
Disease and Death
Plants naturally die. Unfortunately, dead plants can attract termites, which are nature's ways of recycling this old plant matter back into the soil. However, once termites are attracted to a dead plant, they can spread their hungry hordes elsewhere, such as into your home, where they can eat the stabilizing frame of your house, the deck, the roof, and more.
Root Damage
As trees grow, their roots will spread and deepen so they can anchor themselves into the solid ground, absorb water, and consume nutrients in the soil. However, they may innocently spread under your foundation, sidewalks, and driveway. When this happens, the roots can lift or penetrate the concrete. You have probably seen weeds poke through sidewalk cracks; imagine what several-inches-thick roots could do. If the damage progresses, the concrete can crack and change shape. This can spell enormous, expensive trouble for your home.
Ambitious Vines
Vines are gorgeous features that add a vintage character to terraces and porches. Just try to keep vines off your exterior walls. Vines can damage certain types of walls, especially stucco and brick grout, when they grow large enough. They can even choke and kill other plants such as shrubs and small flowers. When vines are still young, try to wrap them around lattice or poles a few inches away from walls or other vulnerable plants. Do not fret or go on a plant-killing rampage in your yard. The information above may be concerning, but there are many ways that expert contractors can prevent damage from plants and protect your home. Contractors can use methods such as the BioBarrier protection system, which involves installing herbicides mesh around your foundation, forming a barrier that prevents roots from burrowing into or under your foundation-all without harming the soil, your plants, or the environment overall. Methods like this can prevent root damage from tearing at your home's foundation and all other pavement.
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