Question
QUESTION: I have a neighbor on the west side and north side of my backyard where I have a pool.  The neighbor on the west side has a bald cypress about 20-25 ft away from my pool and I have a shed and a cement basketball court between the tree and the pool.  Will the roots cause problems with my pool.  The neighbor on the north is about 4 feet lower than my yard with railroad ties serving as a retaining wall between the yards.  Their bald cypress tree is only 12 feet away from my pool, so will their tree create problems with my pool.  If so would you please recommend solutions and if I put in a root barrier how deep would I need to go on the root barrier?

ANSWER: This one is difficult to picture. The tree to the West that has a shed and cement basketball court between the tree and the pool is ok. This tree has a spread of about 25 feet when mature--which means the limbs will spread about 10-15 feet from the trunk. The roots will be about 1 1/2 time the width of the spread. The cement slab and this shed will cause the roots to not grow in that direction since there is little moisture under the cement.

The one to the North is close enough for the roots to bother the pool BUT since it is 4 feet lower and has a retaining wall it also should not be a problem with the roots. Roots grow in the first 3 feet of soil and they will not grow up the four feet difference in the yards. Your problem maybe the dropping of leaves into the pool in both cases.

I would suggest that you call the local office of the State Forestry agency and ask one of their Foresters to come out and take a look. This is unusual arrangement of the trees and they may see something that I missed. This is free service in most states.

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QUESTION: Regarding the one on the North.  If the roots went straight south 15 ft, it would hit the wall or bottom of my pool, as it is 5-8 ft deep in that area.  If I were to put in a cement retaining wall how deep would you suggest I go to block the roots?

Answer
Not a problem since the tree is 4 feet below the pool and behind a retaining wall. The roots will grow lateral in the first 3 feet of soil and will not grow upward. The four feet and the retaining wall would stop the roots from growing much toward you pool. Roots grow in the easiest direction and where the conditions are best--air spaces, moisture etc. The first 3 feet is where these conditions occur and where most roots grow. Some trees have tap roots but cypress does not. The root system will seek the better conditions which in your case is away from the retaining wall. I do not think form your description you will have a problem.

IF you are still concerned or not convinced call the State Forestry folks to check it out.