Is This Too Close to Our House?

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SuperCooper
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Is This Too Close to Our House?

Post by SuperCooper » July 26th, 2016, 11:54 am

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We live in a new development, and the builder planted this shrub around 18" from the house. However, within three years it has become more of a tree in my opinion. I'm a bit worried the roots might damage the foundation, but in all honesty I know very little about this kind of thing. Although I hate I remove a healthy shrub/tree, I'm considering that. I'm not sure how much bigger it will get. (Also, we aren't terribly fond of how it looks in that particular spot.) I'd be interested in any thoughts or opinions.

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Re: Is This Too Close to Our House?

Post by Nixnix42 » July 26th, 2016, 12:04 pm

Way way too close to your foundation concrete slab I assume. Pull that sucker out and plant some ground cover


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Re: Is This Too Close to Our House?

Post by TimmyG » July 26th, 2016, 12:41 pm

You could easily transplant that. Maybe just move it out a couple more feet if you're willing to extend the bed.

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Re: Is This Too Close to Our House?

Post by LoneRanger » July 26th, 2016, 4:54 pm

That tree is too close to a structure and the long term health of the tree will be inhibited.

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Re: Is This Too Close to Our House?

Post by Tony alony » July 26th, 2016, 9:15 pm

SuperCooper, here's my thoughts. After consulting with a certified arborist about my live oaks being too close to the house, I found this out. Tree roots can be cut. With that being said, a sharp chisel , making a sharp cut, on the invading root, can sever a tree root that's intruding towards your foundation. In most cases; the tree , if young enough, will recover and send it's roots in another direction. The tree root severed, will thicken, or perhaps, just grow deeper to get the water it needs. According to my arborist, a tree will send the offending root down instead of laterally. Have you not seen a tree growing in a shopping center parking lot? I wouldn't worry too much the tree you've shown in your post. It will most likely never grow large enough to have roots so large that it will invade your foundation. Seek a professional opinion from a certified arborist if you have any doubts. A reputable arborist doesn't charge fees for his advice. Instead, he looks to help people make decisions on the health of their trees, shrubs, or whatever.
Good Luck!


SuperCooper
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Re: Is This Too Close to Our House?

Post by SuperCooper » July 27th, 2016, 3:37 pm

Thank you for all the replies! I'm leaning toward pulling it up, but I will see if I can find an arborist in my area before doing so. I had mentioned transplanting it to my wife as well. We were somewhat concerned it might kill it. The arborist may have an answer for that as well though.

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Is This Too Close to Our House?

Post by Tsmith » July 27th, 2016, 4:50 pm

When you say 18" are you talking about how far the outside of the tree is to your house now or the center of the tree where it was actually planted?

Either way it prob is too close but one would be worse than the other. Moving that isn't impossible but wouldn't be easy

Do any other houses around have similar shrub that is more mature?


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Re: Is This Too Close to Our House?

Post by LTCM » August 7th, 2016, 10:18 am

At 18 inches, it is way to close in my opinion. At that range it's not just the roots, I'd be concerned about the limbs providing rodent access to the soffit and roof. The last thing you want is four legged creatures in your attic.

Oh, and by the way, your shutters are on the wrong sides. Please don't tell me the entire neighborhood is that way, it would be hilarious! They should match the window if they where to be closed.

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Re: Is This Too Close to Our House?

Post by nhyrum » August 31st, 2016, 9:27 pm

LTCM wrote: Oh, and by the way, your shutters are on the wrong sides. Please don't tell me the entire neighborhood is that way, it would be hilarious! They should match the window if they where to be closed.
Glad I'm not the only one that noticed... Contractors aren't the brightest crayons in the tool shed... Wouldn't surprise me if they were all wrong.

But then again, my dad is a rather high end architect, so I hear him babble about shutters and many other things

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Re: Is This Too Close to Our House?

Post by Zareth » September 21st, 2016, 12:27 am

is it a slab foundation or do you have a crawlspace?

I say just leave it.

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mitten
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Re: Is This Too Close to Our House?

Post by mitten » March 23rd, 2017, 4:51 pm

It's unlikely that the roots will harm your foundation. They typically grow towards the foundation and then go the path of least resistance (away from concrete). I'd be more concerned about how it looks, as well as the possible moisture issues if the brick can't dry out. Could also be a nice animal home or a place for bad guys to hide... I'd cut it down before it gets too big!

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Re: Is This Too Close to Our House?

Post by andy10917 » March 23rd, 2017, 5:57 pm

The post that you're responding to died six months ago

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mitten
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Re: Is This Too Close to Our House?

Post by mitten » March 24th, 2017, 8:18 am

Yeah well I was curious to hear what SuperCooper decided... but it doesn't look like he's been back since he's asked his question.

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