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Neighbors Palm Tree Destroying Our
Sidewalks
Ask the Home Inspector
We bought a house a little over a year ago and we noticed that our
neighbors palm tree roots are growing into our yard damaging our
sidewalk and part of the stucco wall. The tree was actually removed
a few months ago and the stump is still visible. Should the palm
tree stump be removed and how can we repair our concrete sidewalk.
Dear Homeowner
Most of the time when a palm tree is cut down to the stump the tree
will start to disintegrate and rot slowly returning to the earth.
The major problem will be the roots decomposing in the soil. These
decomposed roots can create a pocket in the soil once the roots have
decomposed underneath the concrete sidewalks around your house.
If you have a damaged sidewalk make sure you do not remove the old
sidewalk without removing the palm tree roots and use gravel or
other soil fill materials to bring the soil back up to a level where
you can pour the new sidewalk. Some of your local rental yards will
be able to help you with soil fill materials.
If you pour the sidewalk on top of the palm tree roots you can
expect these roots to decompose over time and this could create a
problem with your new concrete sidewalk.
Now the stucco wall damage should give you clues that the foundation
can also be damaged. Look for large cracks in the concrete
foundation and footings. If there are no cracks or damage done to
the concrete foundation then repair the stucco wall and the sidewalk
and consider yourself extremely lucky.
If the concrete foundation is damaged this might be a good time to
contact the original home Inspector that did the home inspection
when you bought the house to see if he can help you in some way.
Sometimes he can refer you to a reliable contractor or accept some
responsibility for the damage that was obviously visible during the
home inspection.
If the home Inspector does not satisfy your needs contact your local
Department of consumer affairs or Better Business Bureau for more
help.
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