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Old 20-07-2004, 10:09 PM
Frank
 
Posts: n/a
Default root barriers -- protecting property from neighbor's trees

....

Sorry Frank, I was being a little "sporting" on with my post. The
probability of a mid-sized ornamental tree developing a root system
that does physical damage to your slab and your utilities is
exceedingly low. Ornamental trees seldom survive for more than
several dozen years and their root systems do not have time to do
subsurface damage.

....

Rusty,

Everyones responses have been helpful and have given me some peace of
mind. I only wish that tree had a "root damage potential rating" of
low. I've consistently seen it ranked as "Moderate" for root damage
potential, such as on the below URL. The different Eucalyptus trees
are ranked either moderate or low on the same page. I've so far been
unsuccessful in finding a web site that actually focuses in detail on
the root damage potential of different trees and how their roots
actual grow.

http://selectree.calpoly.edu/treedetail.lasso?id=1215

Root Damage Potential: Moderate /

.... "Root Damage Potential attempts to qualify the tendency trees have
of causing damage with their roots. Root damage is usually caused when
tree roots remain close to the surface of the soil. Tree roots can
cause costly damage to paving, structures or even water and sewer
lines. Because roots nearer the tree trunk will enlarge earlier and
grow more rapidly, care should be taken to space trees appropriately
from structures. Local environmental and tree care conditions, such as
soil type or watering habits, can affect a tree's root development.
Long, deep waterings can encourage downward root growth. Shallow soils
will force roots to grow horizontally rather than vertically.

The terms 'Low', 'Moderate' and 'High' are used in this category.
Avoid planting trees with high root damage potential near structures
(PG&E, 1994)."