Question
QUESTION: Hi,
My father has a couple apple trees and one pear tree and he is afraid the roots might damage his inground pool wall. The trees are about 10 years old and the trunk of the trees are about 5" in diameter. They are planted about 7 feet from the pool wall. My question is: Will the roots damage the pool wall?

ANSWER: Not if it is a cement pool. Vynal lined pools if there is a leak could be damaged. Tree roots extend out about 1 1/2 times the width of the limbs but fruit trees do not have the problems with foundations pools etc like some tree. I do not think he will have a problem with the roots.

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QUESTION: Thank you, what are some of the trees that might cause a problem?

Answer
These are generally larger trees with massive crowns and the root system is wide and the roots them selves are large and will up lift sidewalks and driveways. All trees roots will seek water so if there is a leak the roots will grow that direction. Some roots are fibrous like Apple and most fruit trees and will not damage like the larger roots of say Oak and , elm, Bald cypress etc.