FACTORS CAUSING GROUND SHRINKAGE FROM TREE ROOTS WELL BEYOND DRIP LINES
Mark J. Farrow, P.E.1 & Michael Roland, P.E.2
This paper addresses the settlement effects associated with ground shrinkage caused by moisture absorption of mature tree root systems. The paper addresses varying factors that have resulted in large settlements due to ground shrinkage caused by tree roots that have extended well beyond the unpruned drip line of the tree. In some instances, settlements have occurred over 50' beyond the tree's drip line with settlements ranging from over 8-inches near the tree to over 1-inch at a distance of over 50' beyond the drip line.
