Help with my foundation cracks/structure

[DealMakerLoverBreaker]

I recently had some foundation contractors in to give me estimates on repairing cracks in my foundation. A couple contractors told me that the problem is because of my ~50yr old Maple on my property that is about 20' from my foundation and that in order to prevent possible structural problems I should get it/them cut down. This makes me very sad cause I love the tree as they provide shade to the backyard and to the house. The tree is probably 50' high(just a questimate) but is the contractor correct or are there other options??? Someone did mention putting in a ditch with a special barrier but that although good it won't guarantee my foundation is protected. Gonna cost $3k to cut it and another tree down. I was told that the tree roots go towards foundations because thats where it will find water and by removing water from the soil near the footings it can turn the clay to powder and create spaces under the footings which in turn can cause the cracking.

To repair the cracks the contractors are going to dig on the outside only where the cracks are, fill and seal cracks, and cover with Platon. I have gotten several estimates and its going to cost between $800 and $1200 per crack. Is there a way to protect the structure of my home without removing the tree's?

Thanks

[Whitedart]

I recently had some foundation contractors in to give me estimates on repairing cracks in my foundation. A couple contractors told me that the problem is because of my ~50yr old Maple on my property that is about 20' from my foundation and that in order to prevent possible structural problems I should get it/them cut down. This makes me very sad cause I love the tree as they provide shade to the backyard and to the house. The tree is probably 50' high(just a questimate) but is the contractor correct or are there other options??? Someone did mention putting in a ditch with a special barrier but that although good it won't guarantee my foundation is protected. Gonna cost $3k to cut it and another tree down. I was told that the tree roots go towards foundations because thats where it will find water and by removing water from the soil near the footings it can turn the clay to powder and create spaces under the footings which in turn can cause the cracking.

To repair the cracks the contractors are going to dig on the outside only where the cracks are, fill and seal cracks, and cover with Platon. I have gotten several estimates and its going to cost between $800 and $1200 per crack. Is there a way to protect the structure of my home without removing the tree's?

Thanks

How far has the crown of the tree grown out? The roots will have spread at least as far as the crown has grown.

To prevent further damage, I believe the contractor is correct and the tree would have to be removed.

[jed]

You could wait to see what it looks like when they open up the wall to see if theres any roots intruding, then decide what to do.

[DealMakerLoverBreaker]

How far has the crown of the tree grown out? The roots will have spread at least as far as the crown has grown.

To prevent further damage, I believe the contractor is correct and the tree would have to be removed.

Basically the crown has grown next to the house, but I was told that the roots typically grow twice as far as the tree is high. But I'm going to do as suggested by the other post and when they excavate the crack to see what roots they find and any potential damage and make a decision based upon that. The only other thing I'm considering is asking them to dig another exploratory hole at the corner of the home investigate there as well. Unfortunately I've come to learn that digging a little hole isn't a cheap affair.

Thanks!

[Nanodollars]

There are also new Ottawa by-laws on cutting down distinctive trees. Have a read:

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/technology/City+Ottawa+outlines+plan+issuing+tree+cutting+per mits/1928808/story.html

I think in your case you could get a permit due to your circumstances.