QuestionMy neighbour is concerned that the roots of lime trees which were planted 19 years ago may interfere with his water supply in a poly pipe [3 inch bore] located about 2 metres below the surface. The advice I had at the time of planting the trees [I was not aware of the water line at the time of planting and there was no sign of the pipes] was that any root contact would be minimal and non invasive as tree roots simply grow round an obstacle rather than'strangling' it.Is this advice sound or is the concern valid please?
AnswerWater pipes are sealed and tree roots will not effect them Very rarely do tree roots up lift water pipes and this would be something like maybe an oak tree not not fruit trees. And this would be where the pipes were near the soil surface. I can not see that you would have any problems with your tree and water lines. IF the roots can near the lines they would just grow around the pipe and cause no problem.
