[2] As plant roots spread in the search for nutrition, they will opportunistically enter irrigation[3] or sewer[4] with resulting line blockage.
5% of sewer line blockage is attributed to root invasion, though reports of line breakage due to the intrusion are rare.
[6] Roads, sidewalks and foundations can all suffer structural issues from tree roots.
[7] Several methods of control have been attempted, from barriers to encouraging growth in desirable directs.
Selection of plants with root systems that will not conflict with nearby structures is the most effective method of damage control.