Carrotwood Tree Roots and Sewer Lines: Better Tree Choices for Glendale, CA

A Glendale, CA homeowner has a 5-year-old Carrotwood (Cupaniopsis anacardioides) near 1950s clay sewer pipes. Father wants to replace with Birch, believing roots are shallower.

Carrotwood is invasive and likely to compromise sewer lines. Birch is a better choice. Planting can be done now with adequate watering (fall planting is ideal in Northwest but not required in CA). Previous Beeches rotted for unknown reasons, but Beech also has invasive roots, so not a good alternative.