Tree Root Barrier Houston

LSCS removes 8 trees outside Woodlands building

The Lone Star College System removed eight cypress trees from the property of the Houston Advanced Research Center building, located at 4800 Research Forest Drive, because the trees have caused considerable damage to the building’s foundation.

Michael Smith, resident of Cochran’s Crossing, said he noticed the trees being removed Friday morning and was concerned that the school system had not gone through the necessary processes to remove the trees. Smith believes the “majestic 40- and 50-foot trees” had been there since 1989.

“I’m dismayed that none of this tree removal got to the level of the [LSC board of] trustees,” Smith said.

The independent contractor removing the trees confirmed that eight Cypress trees were taken down July 1 and work would continue on the tree removal, which would be completed over the weekend. A worker with the contractor, who asked not to be named, said the trees had damaged the building’s foundation.

Hennie van Rensburg, director of covenant administration for The Woodlands Township, said the covenants require commercial property owners to file an application for tree removal, have the township examine the tree issues and then develop a plan to reforest the property.

As the township is not a city, it cannot fine property owners for tree removal violations, Van Rensburg said, but staff can ask the property owner to reforest the property. He said “at least eight” trees would be replanted on the land to make up for the lost trees.

After being notified about the tree removal, Van Rensburg said a township member was sent to examine the building, located at Research Forest Drive and Gosling Road. Van Rensburg said the trees were located about 8 feet from the building and had done anywhere from $55,000 to $75,000 worth of damage to the building.

The trees removed had sideways-growing roots that can be dangerous to buildings, Van Rensburg said. He believes the property owners should replant with trees with vertical roots.

“I’m a little puzzled as to what was considered for alternatives,” Smith said of the tree removal.

Smith, who ran for the township board in 2010, said he wonders whether the LSCS considered the installation of a root barrier, which may have prevented foundation damage. He also questioned the extent of the damage because “there was no evidence of the sidewalk being disrupted.”

The Lone Star College System did not return calls by press time.

House Foundation May Need Some Underpinning | Repair My Foundation ...

Dear Digger,

My family moved from Columbia, MO to a 21-yr old house in Sugar Land, TX in December 2010. Over the past few months, I have observed and learned big lessons about the house and its foundation, the swell/shrink clay soil in this region, one monstrous oak tree and another two big trees nearby, and the exceptional dry weather condition facing the entire state of Texas. I have a family of seven.

On top of my daily duties, I am feeling overwhelmed by the acuteness of the situation, signified by brick wall crack, pulled away soil, cracked door/window frames, wood siding separation, etc.

I had gutters installed on all sides of the house in late December 2010. I water the yard regularly. And I am reading a lot of articles, including yours on http://www.repairfoundation.net /. I think I need to do something with the tress and their roots. I also need soaker hoses to maintain proper moisture around the foundation.

Could you please give me some referrals for installation of root barriers and soaker hoses? I should consult with a residential structural engineer before getting more bids from foundation repair companies. Do you have names to share? Thank you in advance for your advice.

Desperately,

Dear Joshua,

I would start with a structural engineer. The few hundred dollars for an objective inspection of your situation might save you a lot of money in the long run.  You can find engineers and contractors for your area here:

http://www.foundationperformance.org/members_specialty.cfm

I think Du-West out of Houston does both tree root barriers and soaker hose systems.

This is not necessarily a recommendation of Du-West, I’m just giving you a place to start.

There are many foundation companies in the Houston area. Get bids from at least three if the engineer says you need underpinning. Foundation repair costs can be significant, but cheaper is not necessarily better. Listen to the engineer.

Having said that, remember that I’m not in the foundation repair business, but rather a home owner like you and a writer.

Thanks for visiting the blog.

Good Luck!

Digger

I’m a structural engineer in the Atlanta, GA area, and I agree with your structural engineer’s criticism of the type of piers Olshan uses. I personally prefer steel helical piers for new construction and lighter structures, and steel resistance piers for repairs on heavier structures. Helical piers have the advantage you don’t need a heavy structure to brace them against when you drive them into the ground, but they aren’t good for lifting the structure back into place.

Plants for Houston and the Gulf Coast

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