Big Tree Causing a Foundation Crack

[McKellar Newsom]

I have a large tree (3 1/2 feet in diameter) that appears to be causing a crack in the foundation of an all brick 2 story college housing house.

I can't believe how quickly the foundation went from a small crack to a gaping crack. The crack is up on the second floor so it's tough to get a good look at it or really measure it. I think it might be as wide as an inch in a few spots. It might be 3 feet long.

We haven't had any earthquakes that I know of so I'm guessing it's the tree.

Does anyone have any experience with this or any suggestions? I'd love any ideas. Thanks! mck

[Rob K.]

Trees can be a major problem. I had a tree root raise a driveway six inches at one of my houses.

How far from the house is the tree? I would start by removing that tree. I've heard that the roots can still grow for a while after the tree is gone. You might have to dig next to the foundation and take out any large roots that are up against it or going through.