Hello group!
I am looking for advice. I’m not sure where to ask, so trying here.
🙂
I’ve attached photos. There are three things going on here.
1. The eavestrough directly above this area is on a bad angle, so when it rains the water comes over the eavestrough, and pools down blow in about a 6 foot wide area.
2. The roots from this tree seem to be far more exposed than usual this year, and lastly:
3. Would you cut this tree down to save any foundation issues that I may have ??! (now or in future)
FYI, so far I do not see any water in the basement, and I do not really see any cracking downstairs either (however, the basement walls do have drywall on them, so I can’t *actually* see the interior concrete wall.
Any feedback or comment is greatly appreciated!
Corrie
Replies
I would certainly contact an arborist.
We built in the woods in ‘89.
One good sized walnut, the rest locust.
10 to 15 ‘ from the foundation.
Have not found any trouble . More concerned with the walnut which is now very tall.
I was under the supposition that trees root system mainly follow the canopy outline. Beats me if that is true.
I was under the supposition that trees root system mainly follow the canopy outline.
Not always true. Depends on the tree specie.
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The roots from this tree seem to be far more exposed than usual this year.
Was this area previously covered with a fair depth of leaf litter? If so that could explain why the roots are so close to the ground surface.
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Fix the darn eavestrough so that it rains properly.
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Would you cut this tree down to save any foundation issues that I may have?
The tree roots can often find any minute crack and find their way trhu it IF there's some form of nutrient on the other side. Highly doubtful in your case.
If it were me, I'd cut a narrow, 2' deep trench parallel with the foundation (about 2' away) and bury an root-impervious barrier from bottom to top.
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1) FIX THE GUTTER! Foundation damage from water usually doesn't happen right away but is very expensive when in a few years you look and see damage you haven't seen before. Gutter repair is probably a bargain compared to water damage in the basement. Water and drywall result in a moldy mess. If there is a finished floor, except probably ceramic tile, almost any flooring will be destroyed by water. It may stay dry for years until there is an exceptional storm and you have two inches of water in the basement.
2)Unless there is an erosion problem, I probably wouldn't worry about the exposed roots. Many trees do this. It makes it hard to mow and you want to be careful not to damage them as in long term, damage to the roots can cause rot and an unstable, dangerous tree.
3)The tree looks to be far enough away at its size that I doubt that it is an immediate problem. If you enjoy the tree, I would leave it for now and probably plant a replacement tree farther from the foundation. That way in five or ten years when the tree gets too big for the spot, you will have another tree well on the way to take its place. Make sure that the tree is trimmed away from the gutter and roof. Branches can do serious damage if they make contact with the house. On the other hand, if you don't really care for the tree, take it out now. It will never be cheaper to remove than it will be now as it will keep growing bigger.