Question
Hi Jim,

I have a mature Crimson King Maple that we absolutely love.  It has a great shape and great color for the front yard.  We live in Washington state with clay soil and lots of rain.  

The problem is the Crimson King I planted in the back yard.  Through poor planning I realized that I have a septic pipe close to the roots of a young (10-12 feet tall) Crimson King Maple.  The pipe is about 30 inches deep.  I have read that these trees have shallow roots, but I can not find anything on how deep they actually run.  If I don't move the tree soon, will I end up with problems down the line?

Thanks for your help,
John

Answer
If the pipe is a sealed pipe do not worry about it. Tree roots are a problem with septic tanks and the lines since most are not seal pipes and the root can enter the pipes. The problem is The roots can clog the pipes but their are chemical that can be used to unclog and clear the pipes. Pipes that are sealed will not be a problem. Most of the roots of a maple are within the first 2 feet of soil.

I would leave it be if the pipes are sewer pipes and not septic tank system.