Question
Our NC mt. Balsam tree has grown to almost 40 feet with the roots now appearing above ground traveling close to our house.  Can we cut or shave there roots to ground level and away from the house without damaging the tree.  It is spectacular. We have had very little rain in the Mts. this year...we think that is the problem.

Answer
Generally speaking, the possibility of damage to your foundation is dependent on the age and type of your foundation and the type of species, as some tree's root systems are not as aggressive and much more easily rerouted by the simple use of a rhizome barrier.

Again, generally speaking, you do not want large roots making their way to your foundation, howbeit that many old and very established large Oak and magnolia trees in the south are quite close to homes and have extensive root systems very near and even under homes with concrete foundations. In the case of your blossoming Balsam tree (and most trees, if caught early enough) roots may be severed completely in half if the distance to the trunk is not less than half of the total distance of the drip line of the tree itself; HOWEVER, I do not recommend that you sever all off the roots that are suspect of causing future damage at the same time. If there are multiple roots making their way to your home's foundation, start with the largest and completely sever it. Once severed I suggest that you water and fertilize behind the cut to the trunk of the tree. this will help to start new roots between the cut and the trunk on the tree in question. Repeat the same practice of root pruning on the largest roots about every 6 months until all roots in question have been completely severed. Once they are, you can dig out the severed part of the roots. Do not rush the process as you do not want to stunt the trees growth and/or kill it. You also must keep in mind that the root system is not only for feeding but for anchoring. If you have structures on the opposite side of where you intend to cut the roots from, consider the possibility of strong winds that might want to uproot the tree if prevailing winds are from the direction of the side that the roots were trimmed on.

Please let me know if I can be of any further help or encouragement.

Yours for a greener and more peaceful garden walk,

David Ward