Expansive clay soils in Fort Bend and Greater Houston shrink when dry and swell when wet. Tree roots—especially oak roots—draw moisture from beneath slabs, creating uneven soil shrinkage and differential settlement. That’s why engineers and inspectors agree: tree roots are the leading cause of foundation movement in this region.

A root barrier is a deep, impermeable wall—typically 36 inches deep—installed between trees and a structure. It prevents roots from extracting moisture from beneath the foundation, maintaining uniform soil hydration and stabilizing the slab over time.

Yes. When properly designed and installed, root barriers stop further moisture loss and allow clay soils to rehydrate and expand naturally. This process can gently lift and relevel portions of a foundation that had previously settled due to root-induced drying.

Most barriers should be installed to a minimum depth of 36 inches—deep enough to intercept the active root zone in Houston’s expansive clay. Large trees or sites with deeper root systems may require even greater depth, determined by our site-specific design.

We specify impervious 100-mil polyethylene or equivalent heavy-duty materials designed for decades of buried performance. Inferior thin plastic or fabric barriers fail quickly, allowing regrowth or moisture loss to resume.

When properly designed, no. Root barriers protect both the tree and the structure by redirecting root growth away from the slab, not severing the entire root system. Arborists and engineers both recommend barriers as a safe way to preserve shade trees while protecting the foundation.

Tree removal can cause soil rebound—swelling where the soil was previously dry—and may worsen structural movement. Root barriers are a better long-term solution that retains your trees, shade, and property value while controlling soil moisture.

Barriers should intersect radial lines drawn from the tree trunk toward the foundation, typically positioned midway between the trunk and the slab. Placement varies based on tree size, root reach, and available access—determined through on-site evaluation.

Absolutely. Installing root barriers early can save homeowners thousands of dollars in avoided foundation repairs. By maintaining consistent soil support, barriers extend the life of the foundation and protect previous repairs from renewed movement.

If you have large trees within 20–30 feet of your home—or see cracks, sloping floors, or gaps along one side—schedule a Root Barrier Evaluation. We’ll analyze your soil, tree proximity, and foundation elevations to determine if a barrier can stop movement and help restore balance.