AboutRussel Ray Expertise I can answer questions about water-wise landscaping, xeriscaping, and using native vegetation, cactus, and succulents to create a home paradise that won't increase your water bill.
Experience My wise ol' grandmother got me started with cactus and succulents 42 years ago. The rest, as they say, is history.
Organizations National Association of Certified Home Inspectors, Better Business Bureau of San Diego
Education/Credentials After graduating from Texas A&M University, I started a plant-sitting business in Houston to take care of the house plants when people went on vacation. That went on for five years before I moved back to College Station and started several businesses, one of which was a landscaping business specializing in "dry" landscaping.
Awards and Honors The privilege of working with people.
Question I recently planted 2 green giants in my side yard..
approx 5 feet from the house......Do I need to be concerned about the root system causing any damage to my concrete basement walls? Should I move them?
Answer Hey, Lin.
I would definitely be concerned if they are only five feet from your house. The green giant arborvitae (Thuja plicata) can get up to 70 feet tall with a base that is 15-25 feet wide. A good general rule of thumb for trees is that the root system will go down as far as the tree goes up, and the root system will spread out as far as the branches spread out, so I think you're asking for trouble planting them just five feet from your basement.
