On Wed, 22 Jun 2011 15:40:54 +0100, Spider wrote:

A friend and neighbour of mine arrived home yesterday evening with a
Eucalytpus. I'm not sure which one, but it's one of those whose young
foliage is round.

She wants to plant it in front of her sitting room window on the site of
a dead Cordyline. She intends to keep it as a low shrub so it doesn't
exclude light. So far, no problem. Unfortunately, her chosen planting
site is about 1m (3ft) in front of the house. I was alarmed. I have
always believed that Eucalypts were drain-strangling
foundation-wreckers, and advised her to think again. Am I right? Even
if she keeps it trimmed, I would have thought the roots would be too
invasive. I don't want to spoil her plans, but she doesn't want to harm
her house, either.

I would be most grateful for your opinions, urglers all.

I'm told that the age of the building can make a major difference. If
the house is more than 30-40 years old, then a minimum of 6 metres is
recommended. It's because of the way foundations have changed since
then - they are now stronger and better able to cope with invading
roots and ground moisture loss (and eucalyptus is a very thirsty
being). ISTR that, in addition, eucalyptus can be very combustible in
dry weather.