Homeowners warned as 5.5m invasive monster ripped from yard

2 days ago 5

The mind-blowing mass that took over an entire water tank. Source: BigCountryEarthworks/TikTok

Experts have sound the alarm over silent alien invaders wreaking havoc in Aussie backyards that could cost homeowners thousands, as shocking footage shows a 5.5m monster torn from a tank.

And they’ve placed some very popular species on the garden terrorist hit list for those likely to cause significant damage.

This as nightmarish alien-like tentacles of a massive root system that seized control of an enormous water tank was exposed by tendrils that burst out the roof, forcing homeowners to destroy the entire system.

MORE: 56 suburbs where Aussies suffer most

Million-dollar shock: Most Aussies now priced out of house market

Elliot Aisthorpe of Big Country Earthworks shared jaw-dropping footage of the two-storey high monster root system pulled out of a backyard watertank. Source: BigCountryEarthworks/TikTok

MORE: Property shake-up: Big bank flags surprise trends since rate cuts

Inside slumlord’s crumbling empire: derelict, unliveable, worth millions

Elliot Aisthorpe of Big Country Earthworks shared jaw-dropping footage of him pulling out a behemoth two-storey high monster out of the backyard watertank, warning it could happen to anyone who planted trees with invasive roots near their property.

“This is a great example why you should never plant trees with invasive roots near your home. You can just see what sort of damage they’re going to cause,” he warned.

“Look at this little tree growing out of the top of the tank. Let’s go and have a look and see what’s inside. Holy moly. Look at the roots. No wonder why we’re pulling these tanks down,” he said.

“I’m using my excavator here to pull them out. Have a guess how long you think these roots will be?”

SCROLL DOWN FOR HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO PREVENT INVASION

These innocent looking plants at the top of the water tank led to a massive find. Source: BigCountryEarthworks/TikTok

It would have been impossible to remove without heavy machinery. Source: BigCountryEarthworks/TikTok

MORE: Inside new liberal leader’s property portfolio

Shock twist as former Virgin CEO to tear down $17m mansion

He was dwarfed standing next to it, like something out of a sci-fi horror film. “Yep, that’s me standing next to it. I’m a metre 85 and it’s about three times the height of me.”

Water supply firm Unitywater executive manager customer delivery Rhett Duncan warned they were now finding one in every three pipe blockages and overflows were caused by tree root invasion.

In a six-month period across the Sunshine Coast, its crews attended more than 1300 blockage or wastewater overflow jobs, of which 439 were caused by tree roots.

Experts are warning homeowners that they could face thousands in damage unless they make informed planting choices. Source: Unitywater

Images of root invasion exposed by tradies working for Unitywater. Source: Unitywater

MORE: Aus cities break into global top 10

Shock as 65k Airbnb rentals banned

“Tree roots find their way into pipes to access the water and continue growing in there, effectively blocking the pipe or becoming a mass that other debris can attach to. They are then more difficult to remove and take our crews away from other jobs,” Mr Duncan said.

“Pipe blockages cause wastewater overflows in our infrastructure that can flow into and damage the environment, and in people’s homes, up through toilets and shower recesses, causing a smelly mess and potential health risks or property damage.”

“We know how stressful it can be for our customers who experience overflows on their property, as well as the costs associated with replacing private pipes. We’re asking the community to pause before they plant, consider the types of trees they’re planting and plant them away from pipes.”

Some of the plants torn out from water pipes. Source: Unitywater

Tree roots tradies have had to rip out of blocked pipes. Source: Unitywater

MORE: Shock: Brisbane prices to smash Sydney

Australia’s biggest political property moguls revealed

To help boost awareness, Unitywater has put up a free online mapping tool so residents can uncover the hidden network of water and wastewater pipes – something most Aussie operators now do to help stop damage,

“Input your address to check if there are any Unitywater pipes on your property. It’s good to know where your private pipes run too.”

A planting guide has also been created to help residents know what to plant and how far away from pipes to do so, and Mr Duncan urged gardeners to check in with local nurseries as well who could advise on suitability of other plants with short root systems.