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Construction Industry/Footers depth and oak tree

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Expert: - 12/9/2010


Question
Roger. Putting in a footer for a garage I am building at the rear of my property. Inspector said frostline is 36'. Does that mean the bottom of the footer is 36' or is that the top? Also, I have a 30 yr old 60 ft oak tree about 6 feet from the soon to be garage. Hate to cut it down but I am concerned about the roots and the footing. Cut it down? Thanks.

Answer
Hi Rich,

My recommendation would be excavate the footing to a bottom depth of 4'.  The frost line means that is the depth of freezing which could cause your footing to buckle or move.  Better to be safe than sorry.  Also, you should ask your building department what the code requires.  As for the tree, that would be a major loss but you may severely damage the tree if you have to cut the root system very much.  On the other hand, because of your frost line, the majority of roots could be below the footing.  It must be a mature oak so you shouldn't have to worry about the roots disturbing your structure except that trees re-grow roots that are destroyed.  They need the roots to balance the weight and movement of the tree.

I hope this has been helpful.

Roger
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Roger Zona

Expertise

I am experienced in all types of construction: residential, industrial and commercial; single family, multi-family, mid-rise and high rise buildings (16 story office building) as well as remodeling, additions and tenant improvements. I can field most any question that relates to general construction. I have consulted with infrastructure (utility) contractors also and have a good general knowledge of underground utility construction for subdivisions and commercial projects.

Experience

After college, I began my career in the construction industry. I chose to become an apprentice Architect and 4 yrs later I opened my own architectural design firm. Six years later I moved to Florida to buy & develop land and build. I became a State of Florida Certified General Contractor and operated my business for 45 years. I built all types of residential and commercial buildings including warehouses, shopping centers, high rise apartments and office buildings and developed sites for other contractors. I retired and became a consultant to the construction industry. I maintain my license and continuing education requirements, operate a small construction company and write a weekly newspaper column for the Palm Beach Post (a Cox publication) with the byline "Ask The Contractor". I am the "technical editor" for a publisher of books that relate to home maintenance.

Organizations
Previously - NAHA Currently - FLCA (Florida Licensed Contractors Assoc.)

Publications
Palm Beach Post newspaper - weekly Q & A column Happy Herald monthly real estate publication - monthly column

Education/Credentials
Michigan State University University of Detroit BS in Engineering

Past/Present Clients
I built a home in Palm Beach for a member of the Pulitzer Family. I was responsible for the completion of a twin hi-rise condominium project for G.E. Credit. I was a partner in the successful development of a P.U.D. (Planned Urban Development) subdivision. I represented the largest home builder from France (Bati Service, S.A.) in the development of a subdivision and the design and construction of the homes.

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