I have a willow tree about 12-15 feet from the house and the base of the trunk is about 12 inches. I understand the roots can enter water systems, but can they also impact house foundations? To prevent any potential damage I am uncertain whether it is best to remove the tree now or to just manage its growth.
The concern is if the roots have already entered the foundations or water systems then killing the tree will cause the roots to decay and leave gaps and perhaps cause further damage. Any advice on how best to manage the tree in the future would be gratefully accepted.
Hardiness Zone: 8a
Alan from Gloucetser, UK
Alan,
Sorry to hear about the placement of your willow tree. Twelve to fifteen feet from the house sounds awfully close. This tree species grows fast and its roots are experts at seeking out water. The nutrient-rich water from leaky sewer pipes or cracked water lines acts like a magnet to the roots of these water-loving trees. This is why they don't belong in residential landscapes-not to mention that willows drop a lot of kindling and are quite messy as they age. It's hard to say whether or not your tree's roots will infiltrate your foundation, if they haven't already. One determining factor is where in relation to the location of your tree, that your water and sewer pipes enter and exit your home. As long as the roots have enough room to spread out, a solid structure like your foundation will divert the direction of their growth, providing that is, that any nearby pipes are in good repair and moisture doesn't tend to pool in the area.
Ellen
About The Author: Ellen Brown is an environmental writer and photographer and the owner of Sustainable Media, an environmental media company that specializes in helping businesses and organizations promote eco-friendly products and services. Contact her on the web at http://www.sustainable-media.com
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We had a weeping willow growing about 10- 12 feet from the house at my childhood home. It eventually became disesed and and had to be cut down after about 25-30 years, but in all that time we never had any foudation trouble.
12-15 feet isn't very far. Ours had to be cut down after 7 years because it was too close and too risky, even full of termites which are attracted to it's roots and bark! It broke my heart because it was so lovely.
In our area, there are two kinds of Willows, one, called, the "Water Willow" the other not so prone to
grow in water. The Water Willow is not attractive, with scraggly bark. The better Willow, I believe, is called a Black Willow, although not black in color, with limbs that drape beautifully. They attract a wonderful attractive/huge black/white beetle with long thick black antennaes.
I'd remove it since it's so close, because roots
will NOT get smaller nor die out, and can perhaps allow any foundation problem to resolve itself as the foundation receeds back into position once the tree is cut? Remember to cross-cut the tree stump or have it ground out. I had no sapling tree sprouts to return once it was removed.
If in the water lines, you will have slow water intake. Learn where the fresh water lines and drainage lines are. If in the sewer, of course you will now have slower drainage. It's a terribly hard decision to make, I know, but in the long run, you will likely be happy for the removal.
Take pictures of it before removal. In the olden days we left the stump about 30 inches high and placed a top on it for potted flowering plants, shading the stump. I don't remember if it returned, but I don't believe it re-grew. Good luck and God bless you. : )
y'all so brainwashed... the only reason your pipes are damaged is that they're probably made from a cheap material and too old. the roots aren't capable to damage your pipes, they just grow where the pipes are already damaged. every three needs water, you think that other trees' roots around your homes aren't growing? brainwashed, leave the tree, hug it and bow down to it 'cause it's pure and natural and can't do damage, only humans and their low quality projects do damage. and of course that the city doesn't care, 'cause even if the tree breaks them pipes, it's great for them!
I have my tree 10 feet from my house. I planted it 5 years ago and it is taller than my house. My house is 9 years old and the truth is that I do not want to have problems with this beautiful tree.
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