I am planning to build a room addition which
will be within 4' of a large tree (2' Dia. 50' tall).
If I have the tree cut down can I be assured
that the roots will not later disrupt my foundation?
(The foundation will be 30" below ground and 4' from the tree).

Reply to post by Bill Horning, on March 30, 1998 at 16:27:55:

Bill: Of far greater concern is the impact of such construction on the life of the tree. Trenching 4' from a tree of that size will ineveitably result in serious damage via root cutting. There are methods of minimizing such impacts, if building so close is unavoidable.

In my opinion, it is unlikely that the roots would cause significant foundation damage for many years, should it survive. There are also methods available for avoiding or minimizing this potential. Some techniques for minimizing damage to the roots will also minimize any potential for future damage, such as a `pier and grade-beam' or `bridged' foundation (over the roots).

Recommendations:
1) Hire a competent Consulting Arborist (before construction begins, preferably during planning). You can get a referral in your are through the American Society of Consulting Arborists: 1(301)947-0483; asca@mgmtsol.com

2) A world of information on trees and construction is contained in a new book entitled "Trees and Development", available through the International Society of Arboriculture: http://www.ag.uiuc.edu/~isa/publications/publications.html

Good luck!

Torrey Young
TREESCAPES, Inc.

Reply to post by Bill Horning, on March 30, 1998 at 16:27:55:

If you have the tree cut down, and the stump ground to below grade, I doubt that you will have foundation damage caused by that tree.
I believe from your note that your intent is to remove the tree, not try to work around it, is that correct?

Wayne

Reply to post by Bill Horning, on March 30, 1998 at 16:27:55:

My mistake.... should read more carefully! Anyway... a few more comments. Species makes a world of difference.... a number of species of trees will produce suckers (sprouts) from even small portions of remaining roots, some prolifically (e.g. Poplars, Elms). My company just finished a second sprout treatment for elm sprouts from under a house (and all over the yard) from a tree that had been removed and the stump and all discernible surface roots ground out!

However... I agree... a thorough grinding of the stump is probably the most effective method, and usually enough! If sprouting does occur, treat them with an effective herbicide (contact a licensed applicator) as they appear... or if you prefer... judiciously remove sprouts as they appear and eventually the roots will die off!

Reply to post by Bill Horning, on March 30, 1998 at 16:27:55:

Bill, if you cut down the tree, regardless of the species, even if the roots do send suckers up, if you don't let the suckers get large, they will be depleting the carbohydrate reserves in the root system that remains, and will therefore hasten the death and ultimate annihilation of same. If you are talking about your redcedars, there will be no sprouts. Your bigleaf maples and your neighbor's Lombardy poplar will send up sprouts for a long time, and potentially, large, multi-stemmed trees.

Reply to post by Torrey Young, on March 30, 1998 at 16:27:55:


Building so close to a mature specimen is unacceptable and damage is unavoidable, besides, can you live with a growing specimen sitting over your property? I do not think so!! If the extension is vital, remove the tree to ground level, poison the remaining stump and root system, followed by the removal of the stump and rooting matrix. Fill and compact the remaining dips and build.

Paul H.

Reply to post by Paul H, on March 30, 1998 at 22:35:22:


Sorry

I'm new to this forum and still working out why I have to repeat myself every time I come on. Regarding poison roots; depends on species. Regarding potential subsidence, depends on soil permeability eg. clays.

Jim and Nelda's 'Trees and Development' publication would seem pretty radical in the States and is in a small part based on our own UK British Standard 5837 1991 'Trees in Relation to Construction', though I've just ordered the new book and cannot comment as yet, though I have no doubts that it is an excellent bookand a way forward for US protective measures for trees in relation to constrution.

I'll get my head round this forum in time, though its great to see private individuals web-sites participating in discussion groups. The more the better.

Good Luck!!!

Paul H.