Generally, tree roots get into sewer lines because they are old and leaking and need to be replaced or repaired. It is rare that tree roots will crush a sewer line. If this occurs, please call the Urban Forest Section to have someone inspect the damage. See similar questions...

Tree roots are opportunistic. While they will not crack a sound sewer service or water line, they will exploit cracks or failures in the lines. The best defense against having tree roots in lines is to make sure that your lines are in good condition and that they're not cracked. If you suspect that tree roots are growing into your sewer line, you can have the roots cut out using a process called "rodding". See similar questions...

When homeowners suspect they have a blocked sewer line between their home and the main City sewer, they should contact Toronto Water for assistance: 416-338-ROOT (7668). First response to sewer line blockage, inspection and emergency repair service will be provided by City staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week. After normal business hours, response will be limited to emergency situations where the sewer service lines are completely blocked. See similar questions...

Each home or commercial building has a separate connection to the public sewer main called a sewer lateral. Under current Municipal Code, Section 14.36.050, it is the property owner's responsibility to maintain and repair the sewer lateral up to the point of connection with the public sewer main. This includes both the portion on private property and the portion located beneath the sidewalk and street. See similar questions...

Roots grow toward water vapor or moisture, by a continuous process (hydrotropism) occurring at the very end of the root. The root grows one cell at a time enabling it to enter the small cracks and joints, which may be present in your pipe. After a root enters a pipe, it divides hundreds of times to form a large mass of tender root ends. This root mass will accumulate a thick coating of grease which will collect up on the root mass until a blockage occurs. See similar questions...

The drain must be snaked and cleaned out, and then certain products may be used to prevent roots form growing any further. If it is a major problem, or if your pipes are blocked, they may need to be replaced. See similar questions...

Local hardware stores have a chemical for removing tree roots. This will kill the roots that are in the service line. See similar questions...

The Ordinance does not allow for trees to be removed due to sewer complications. Often trees are blamed for sewer line problems when in actuality the problems associated with tree roots are primarily caused by aging porous clay pipes. Once replaced with new plastic pipes tree roots no longer seek out the pipes as they are non-porous. Violations can be reported to (510) 670-5500. The Public Works Agency's Arborist will inspect the violation and provide a response if requested. See similar questions...

If a tree is growing well, a survival mechanism is to explore the soil for supplies of oxygen, nutrients and water. It is our belief that tree roots do not cause sanitary line leaks. However, if a water vapor source or a water leak is available, the tree root will seek the water location as a survival reaction. There is doubt at this point, given an available water vapor source or a leak, that the tree root can make a minor problem significantly worse. See similar questions...

A parkway tree may not be removed due to intrusion of tree roots in a private sanitary service line. Sanitary service lines, which have been intruded with tree roots, are considered defective and must be repaired. All costs relating to repairs and maintenance of private sanitary service lines are the responsibility of the property owner. No. The Street Division of the Public Works Department maintains approximately 65 miles of local streets. See similar questions...

trees and plants mature, their underground root system grows and naturally seeks out moisture. The most consistent source of moisture is sewer and wastewater pipelines. Joints and cracks in the pipe create natural entry points for roots. Roots start to grow at the top of the pipe and spread. See similar questions...

The Los Angeles County Fire Department has eight fire stations that serve the City of Pomona. Each station is staffed with career fire fighting personnel who are trained to provide citizens with the highest level of fire and rescue assistance. Fire stations are strategically located throughout Pomona to provide quick assistance to area residents. In the event of fire or rescue emergency, the primary station will be on call to assist you with support from other stations, as needed. See similar questions...

Most people know that tree roots stabilize a tree. However, that is only part of their job. Most people don't realize that roots absorb oxygen out of the soil. Tree roots absorb air, water and nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus from the soil then convey these elements to the rest of the tree. All of these are essential for the trees growth and overall health. Tree roots also store starches that are produced during the growing season. See similar questions...

It is very unusual for roots to physically break drains and associated pipe work. However, tree roots are opportunistic and if an old pipe with poor joints is leaking into the surrounding soil this will attract the roots that may then exploit the existing weakness. Then, when repairs are required, a proliferation of tree roots often leads to the blame being placed with a nearby tree. See similar questions...

Build decking or benching around trees, to relieve pressure on the roots. Install other plants around the base of the tree to divert traffic. Put in more trees and spread out the love! See similar questions...

The growth characteristics of many species is to develop surface roots. Silver maples are one example. Many times, surface roots occur when the tree roots are looking for water, the soil is too hard, or the soil is saturated with water. Surface roots can impact sidewalks and driveways. See similar questions...

If you believe a tree or branch has damaged your property please call our city arborist at 510-231-3075. When you hire a company to make repairs to your sewer or water line and all permits are obtained from the Engineering Division 510-307-8091 make sure pictures of the roots are taken and call the City Arborist 510-231-3075 to view the roots with the trench still open. You can then file a claim with the City Clerk's Office 510-620-6513 for reimbursement of costs. See similar questions...

Tree roots can normally grow to that of two and one-half times the height of the tree. The area under the canopy of the tree is commonly referred to as the critical root zone. The amount of critical root zone lost is directly related to the amount of die-back in the crown of the tree. In an oak tree, if more than 30 percent of the critical root zone is lost, the tree will die. However, soft wood trees, such as box elder, can tolerate far more root disturbance. See similar questions...

The answer is yes if there is a leak and the leak is in the proximity of tree roots. Tree roots seek water. If a water source is available because of a leak, or an opening in a leech field line and there are tree roots in the area, they will quickly invade the area and take advantage of the available moisture. How many times have you gone for a walk and noticed sidewalks cracked or heaved out of place because of tree roots? Unfortunately this problem is all too common. See similar questions...