Question
QUESTION: I planted a nectarine tree ( i think its a nectarine but it might be a plum) but in any case its only about 10 ft from an indoor pool. As a new  gardener it never occurred to me till now that if the roots grow outwards instead of down they can eventually wrap themselves round my pool and crack it. Do you know anything about these trees please? Thank very much.

ANSWER: Both of these have a branch spread of about 16 feet meaning the branches could reach about 8 feet on a side. the roots are in the first 2 feet of soil and extend out about 1 1/2 times the width of the branches. The roots are fibrous and will not cause a problem with driveways foundations or pools. You can keep the limbs from extending with proper pruning and this will also keep the root system narrower. here is a web site that talks about pruning. http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=G6030

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QUESTION: Following my question regarding nectarine i noticed that many branches are sprouting from the root. They are carrying fruit but i suppose my question is whether it is always best to cut off those extensions. If it is necessary, what can i do to stop them them from growing again? Again thank you

Answer
Prune all rootstock suckers and water sprouts starting at the bottom of the tree and working up about 3 feet. Rootstock suckers are shoots which develop from an underground bud on a root or the rootstock. They will basically develop into another trunk if left to grow, robbing the original tree of nutrients and water. Water sprouts are shoots that grow vertically on the tree. They add shade to the lower part of the tree and fruit does not develop well on them. not any thing that can be applied to these to keep them from growing you just have to prune off as they grow,.