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Old 06-10-2003, 10:40 PM
ned
 
Posts: n/a
Default growing fir cones and horse chestnut?

Bry wrote:

snip
What would be a good distance for such a house
with a horse chestnut tree and a type of duglas fir? I would like

them
quite close to the house.

A horse chestnut can grow to a height of 115ft (35m). Depending on
soil conditions, a good general rule of thumb would be that the root
system might extend the same distance, ie 18m radius. But, roots will
take advantage of any 'easy' opportunity and will invade pipes and
cracks to cause havoc where least expected.
And should you live in a tornado belt, would you want a tree of that
size toppling on your house?
I wonder if that is why it is not advised to plant trees near houses.
;-)
The Douglas fir might grow even taller. Say 180ft. and would be at
even greater risk to wind damage.

--
ned