If you thought the biggest threat to your backyard was a few pesky weeds or the odd possum, think again. These silent invaders don’t just spoil the look of your property—they can cause extensive damage to your home’s pipes, tanks, and even the foundations.
For many Australians, what starts as a minor nuisance can quickly become costly and stressful. After a jaw-dropping discovery revealed how destructive these hidden pests can be, homeowners are now being warned.
A monstrous 5.5-metre root system was recently ripped from a backyard water tank, stunning experts and residents alike.
Elliot Aisthorpe of Big Country Earthworks shared the footage, which looks like something out of a sci-fi thriller.
Imagine this: a tangle of alien-like tentacles bursting through the roof of a water tank, forcing the homeowners to demolish the entire system. Standing next to the root mass, Elliot, no shorty at 1.85 metres, was dwarfed.
‘This is a great example of why you should never plant trees with invasive roots near your home,’ he cautioned. ‘You can just see what sort of damage they’re going to cause.’
But this isn’t just a one-off horror story. It’s a growing problem (pun intended) that could cost homeowners thousands in repairs and replacements. And the culprits? Some of the most popular trees and plants in Australian gardens.
The hidden menace: How roots wreak havoc
You might be surprised to learn that, according to Unitywater’s executive manager of customer delivery, Rhett Duncan, one in three pipe blockages and overflows is now caused by tree root invasion.
In just six months on the Sunshine Coast, Unitywater crews attended over 1,300 blockage or wastewater overflow jobs, 439 of which were caused by tree roots.
Why are roots such a problem? Tree roots are naturally drawn to water sources, and your pipes are a prime target. Once inside, they keep growing, eventually blocking the pipe and creating a tangled mass that catches other debris.
The result? Blocked pipes, wastewater overflows, and a smelly, expensive mess that can back up into your home through toilets and showers. Not only is this unpleasant, but it can also pose health risks and cause significant property damage.
If you’ve ever had to deal with a blocked pipe, you’ll know it’s not just inconvenient—it can be downright stressful and costly.
Replacing private pipes or repairing water tanks can cost thousands, not to mention the hassle of cleaning up after an overflow. With these incidents occurring more frequently, it’s more important than ever for homeowners to be proactive.
How to protect your home: Tools and tips
So, what can you do to avoid becoming the next victim of a root rampage? Unitywater has made it easier than ever to check your property’s risk.
Their free online mapping tool lets you see the hidden water and wastewater pipes network beneath your home.
Simply input your address to find out if there are any Unitywater pipes on your property—and don’t forget to check where your private pipes run, too.
But knowledge is only half the battle. The other half is choosing the right plants for your garden.
Unitywater has created a handy planting guide to help select species that are less likely to invade your pipes. Local nurseries are also excellent sources of advice on plants with short, non-invasive root systems.
If you have any of these in your garden, it might be time to reconsider their placement, especially if they’re near your pipes or water tanks.
Unitywater suggests taking a moment to ‘pause before you plant’ before planting the next tree or shrub.
Consider the mature size of the plant, its root system, and proximity to your pipes. Planning can save you a lot of heartache (and money).
Have you ever had a run-in with invasive roots in your garden? Did you discover a monster lurking beneath your lawn, or have you had to deal with a costly pipe repair? Share your stories, tips, and questions in the comments below.
Also read: New homeowners win five-month fight against invasive backyard plant
