Tree Roots and Underground Pipes
The primary objective of tree roots are to absorb nutrients to allow your tree to not only continually grow, but also prosper. The roots of mature trees are continuously looking for water to absorb. At the same time, you’ve got homes and businesses of all types that are connected to underground sewer/water pipes.
Roots are so strong and resilient, they will actually grow into these pipes to suck out the water and nutrients in order to grow. Naturally, this is more of a problem for the pipes than it is for the roots.
This isn’t so much a tree care problem but something for your local plumber to take care of. Property owners need to have their pipes cleaned on a routine basis.