I was having backups and there turned out to be tree roots in it. 

Many foundation problems have water as a root cause - be that infiltration in a crawl space, drainage around the site, cracked sewer line or water line.

I think the choice to live in a city is rooted in personal values that differ from other generations.

An unscrupulous contractor is unscrupulous , no matter you are nice / not nice .So the root cause of your problem is simple , you just bumped in lot of bad contractors.

Even though I don't know you, I'm rooting for you Jake!   

.- Perform sewage line inspection every five years, especially with old, established trees in obvious vicinity to sewer line, maple root systems are typically shallow and extensive (<5 feet)/oaks go deeper and never stop growing even if the tree branches keeps getting trimmed back (>5 feet).- Monitor typical icicle build-up, watching for insulation/roofing degradation.- Glyphosate weedkiller application 2x yearly, early spring, midsummer in problem areas.- Check window trim for wood rot (I have a constant bone to pick with window replacement companies that offer window wrapping for older homes, completely hiding existing trim as it degrades further and lets in more cold air!)

Think about it if they were really trying to put down roots they'd be owners, not tenants.

Most people don't think a water line or natural gas line will ever need to be replaced.2. possible cost to remove trees since their roots can cause damage. 

Good luck, I know this community will be rooting for you!

Rooting for it.