Originally Posted By: mauthement This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Inspected a slab on grade 7 year old home today with a 24" diameter Pecan tree 36" from exterior brick wall. No visible defects. Exterior of slab behind brick exterior. Any structural concerns?
Originally Posted By: ekartal This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Murray,
Some of the problems associated with tree roots are soil heaving creating a negative pitch, buckled sidewalks and exterior cracks. There is also the possibilty of roots clogging or breaking water/sewer lines which happened to me in Chicago.
Originally Posted By: rcloyd This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Murray:
If there is no visible damage to the house as a result of the tree, I would note the close proximity of the tree to the foundation in my report and recommend that the tree be removed or root barricades be installed.
Tree roots can cause substantial damage to foundations. Not to mention the potential for the tree to fall onto the house if it is blown over.
Originally Posted By: ltrower This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Murray,
Seeings how the house was build after the tree was planted, it would be interesting to find out when they dug the foundation for the house if they cut the roots. Tree roots will be as wide as the drip line of the tree or larger depending on soil conditions and will be between ground level to 12" below the soil level. Pecan trees are very well known to get broken up in storms. The safest thing to do is cut the tree down. The other problem besides roots and falling limbs is squirrels. The love pecan trees and that becomes a very big problem if they get in the attic.
Originally Posted By: sspradling This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Compaction of soil on top of the root system will kill a tree. May take a few years, but it’ll happen. Furniture makers love pecan. Maybe a tree surgeon could drop it so the trunk is sellable?