Central Florida’s subtropical climate is friendly toward a wide and beautiful range of tree species. Although palm trees are, of course, quintessentially Florida, oaks, willows and many other species commonly found in northern states thrive right here in The Sunshine State. If you love these trees, you probably consider yourself lucky if they’re on your property. But if you also have an in-ground pool, should you worry about their roots reaching its shell or underground pipes and breaking through? Or if you’re planning to have an in-ground pool installed, will nearby trees need to be removed as a precaution?
Root growth can cause pool leaks under certain circumstances. We’ll look at which situations create the greatest risk, as well as provide advice on preventing such problems.
Are All Types of In-ground Pools Susceptible to Damage by Tree Roots?
According to PoolMax, concrete and fiberglass pools are not affected by tree roots, as the roots will grow around the pool structure and conform to it. They will not be strong enough to shift the pool or poke through it. However, pools with vinyl siding can be susceptible to root intrusion.
For those who have a screen enclosure for their pool and patio, the close proximity of tree roots to the pool isn’t an issue, as most tall trees with spreading root systems tend to be well outside of the enclosure.
Nevertheless, it’s important to know that roots grow toward water sources – which means that they can damage your pool’s underground pipes! Tree roots can grow into pipes and cause serious damage, even to durable materials like cast iron or PVC. Some trees have invasive root systems that can erode the ground around your pool.
In such cases, tree roots aren’t likely to stop at your pool’s pipes. Root invasion is a common cause of plumbing pipe problems, as well. Contrary to popular belief, they don’t break pipes. Instead – according to Leaf & Limb – the pipes are already damaged; the roots just grow to fill in cracks and air gaps that were there to begin with. Our blog post – “How to Know if Your Underground Pipes are Leaking” – covers this topic in greater detail.
Pool patio pavers can likewise be vulnerable, as Florida’s warm climate encourages rapid root growth which can easily lift, crack, or shift pavers over time –especially if planted too close to the patio or without proper root barrier installation. This is a common issue that can lead to uneven surfaces and potential safety hazards. Still, even with fast-growing roots, it may take around 10 years for them to damage hardscape surfaces.
How to Determine Which Tree Species May Put Your Pool at Risk
Your pool probably isn’t alone in your yard. Trees may not be right next to it, but you’re perhaps a little wary about how far their roots can reach. And if you’re planning to install a pool, should any of them be removed – even if they’re not growing in the spot where your future pool will be?
The following are tree species with aggressive root systems that could pose problems: oak, willow, sycamore, maple, elm, poplar and birch. Willow trees, especially, have a strong and vast root system that can ruin underground water lines and crack poured pavement. If you really love willows and have a large property, plant at least 50 feet away from structures, paths, or driveways.
For pool owners, even choosing a tree with a non-aggressive root system requires prudent placement in the yard. For yards without a screened pool enclosure, the rule of thumb is to plant at least six feet from the pool – with 15 feet away being preferable. One mistake that many homeowners make is not considering a tree’s maximum growth potential. That little tree you bring home in a container today may eventually command a good area of yard, with leafy branches above and a potentially invasive root system below.
Recommended tree species include palms, evergreens and magnolia trees. They have a shallower root system, which makes them appropriate for planting just outside the recommended six-foot minimum distance from the pool’s edge. However, be aware of the location of your underground water and plumbing pipes when planting.
If you’re installing a pool, plan the patio at least six feet from the trunk of the tree, and consider using concrete pavers instead of a concrete slab for the patio. That way if you need to trim roots that come up, you can just remove some of the pavers, trim down the roots, and easily put them back in place.
If you’re planning landscaping for a new pool with a screened enclosure, do some online research on the best species for this particular environment. Your pool contractor may be able to provide advice, as well as employees in the garden department of home improvement centers and independently owned plant nurseries. In addition to choosing species that don’t have a spreading root system, be sure you don’t install a tree that has the potential to grow taller than the roof of the enclosure.
What to Do if You Need to Remove a Tree
If a tree is causing damage – or has the potential to do so in the future – removing it is necessary. The following advice also applies if a tree or two needs to be removed prior to pool installation.
It’s important to understand that this is a job for a professional tree service, not a DIY project. As our blog post – “Could Trees be Causing Your Pool to Leak?” – covers, most homeowners don’t have the equipment and personal protective clothing and gear to do this safely and efficiently – not to mention the physical strength. It also isn’t a job for you and a friend to do together – regardless whether he’s done it before or is built like a lumberjack. It isn’t worth cutting corners and risking serious injury (or worse) to save a few dollars.
Should you need to remove a tree, also have the tree service remove the stump. This isn’t a DIY job, either – leave it to the pros! If not removed, the stump will eventually rot and decompose, creating instability in the soil under or around your pool. This in turn can create problems for your pool, including shifting or cracking.
The Take-Home Message
Trees are a great asset that make any yard more attractive! But being sure they don’t cause big problems for your pool and/or plumbing requires awareness about their location and species. If a tree is a little too close for comfort and you suspect it could be causing a leak, call us!
Certified Leak Detection uses technology and techniques we have developed over 20 years in business. In addition to quick detection of pool leaks, we provide industry-leading leak detection for spas and hot tubs, as well as fountains. Serving areas throughout Central Florida – including Orlando, Longwood, Lake Mary, Sanford, Kissimmee, Clermont and Winter Springs – our team is ready to answer your call. Contact us for quick, reliable service!