Most people think of tree problems as something that happens above ground — falling limbs, storm damage, or leaning trunks. But often, the real trouble starts below the surface.
Tree roots are powerful. They’re designed to seek out water and nutrients — but in doing so, they can also crack driveways, lift sidewalks, clog pipes, and even threaten your home’s foundation. In the Kansas City area, where many homes sit on clay-heavy soil, roots tend to spread wide and shallow, making them more likely to interfere with hard surfaces and underground utilities.
At Cartwright Tree Care, we’ve seen it all — from roots breaking through concrete patios in Lee’s Summit to foundation cracks forming under mature oaks in Mission Hills. While some root issues can be managed with pruning or root barriers, others may require a more permanent solution: professional tree removal.
Tree roots naturally grow outward two to three times the width of a tree’s canopy. When they run into obstacles like sidewalks, driveways, or underground lines, they keep growing — often pushing or wrapping around whatever’s in their way.
Here’s how root systems cause costly damage over time:
Driveways & Sidewalks: Roots lift or crack concrete slabs, creating uneven surfaces and trip hazards.
Foundations: Expanding roots can displace soil beneath foundations, leading to cracks or structural instability.
Underground Utilities: Roots infiltrate water or sewer lines through small cracks, clogging pipes and causing backups.
The longer the issue goes unchecked, the more damage those roots can do — and the more expensive repairs become.
You don’t need X-ray vision to tell when roots are starting to cause trouble. Watch for these early warning signs:
Cracks in your driveway or sidewalk that seem to get wider each year
Bulging soil or raised concrete near the base of a tree
Drainage problems or slow-moving pipes
Foundation cracks or uneven floors near large trees
Tree roots visible above ground, growing close to your home
If you’re noticing more than one of these, it’s time to schedule an inspection.
Root pruning or barrier installation can help in mild cases — but when roots are already embedded in structures or utilities, tree removal is often the safest and most cost-effective option.
Removing the tree prevents further root expansion and allows for long-term repairs without ongoing damage. It’s especially important for large, fast-growing species like silver maples, willows, and elms, which are known for aggressive root systems common throughout Kansas City neighborhoods.
At Cartwright Tree Care, our certified arborists carefully evaluate both the visible tree and what’s happening underground. We provide:
Root system assessments and tree risk evaluations
Safe tree removal near homes, driveways, and foundations
Stump grinding and root mitigation to prevent regrowth
Expert guidance on replanting trees safely away from structures
Whether your home is near Brookside Boulevard, Liberty, or Raymore, we’ll help you make the right call for your property’s safety and long-term value.
📞 Contact Cartwright Tree Care today to schedule your inspection or learn more about our Tree Removal Services. If roots are cracking your concrete or threatening your foundation, it’s time to act before the damage spreads.