For homeowners
Should I remove a tree to stop sewer line damage?
Short answer
Not always. First find out if roots are really the cause. A plumber can run a camera through the sewer line. The fix may be clearing the roots or repairing the pipe. Removing the tree is one option, but it does not repair a cracked pipe.
By Umair Nawaz. Published October 25, 2026. General information, not legal, tax or insurance advice.
The longer answer
Roots look for water and air. They can slip into a sewer line through a crack or a loose joint and then grow inside it. Repeated slow drains or backups can be a sign.
Start with the pipe. A plumber can send a camera down the line and show you where the roots are and how bad the pipe is. Then you can choose a fix. Options include clearing the roots, repairing or replacing the damaged part of the pipe, or both.
Taking out the tree may help stop new roots, but it does not fix a broken pipe. Roots that stay in the ground will rot over time. Other trees nearby can also send roots toward the same leak.
If you do think a tree must go, ask a certified arborist for their view. They can tell you if the tree can be saved with a different plan. Many cities also have rules about removing trees, so check before you cut. Call 811 before any digging.
Hire pros for this work. Do not climb or cut the tree yourself. This is a short explanation, not legal advice.
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Plain guides for homeowners
Safety first: stay away from downed power lines and call the utility; call 911 if anyone is in danger. Lirevon does not do tree work. Find local pros on Google Maps and read their reviews, then get two or three written quotes.
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