Expert: Jim Hyland - 9/26/2006

Question
I have a beautiful large pine tree (about 35 feet) that grows at the corner of my house foundation, about 1 1/2 feet from the corner.  While I love the tree, I'm concerned if this could potentially damage the foundation of my home, which I love more.  Should this tree be removed?

Answer
Normally pine roots tend to go down into the soil instead of spreading out.With pines there is little risk of the tree roots causing foundation problems. The only risk is possible wind damage from a severe storm. Not enough to think about taking the tree down. Pines live 60-80 years so if the tree is about 20+ it is "young". As long as the foliage is fairly dense and green and Healthy looking you should have nothing to worry about.  
 
CONFIRM THE INVOLVEMENT OF TREE ROOTS FIRST Before any tree is cut down, the presence of tree roots at the base of the foundation should be confirmed. Many trees have been cut down needlessly just because they were nearby. Roots normally grow horizontally and not very far beneath the soil surface. Sometimes when roots encounter the looser backfill soil near the foundation, they can abruptly start growing down. You may be able to locate these roots, if they exist, by digging a foot or two deep within a few feet of the foundation. If you find a suspect root, cut it off. Unfortunately, in some cases excavation down to the base of the foundation may be necessary. This may have to be done anyway to repair and stabilize it. Cutting the roots should preventfuture problems, especially if a root barrier is installed to prevent re-growth.