Question
Hi,

I have bought a new house. On one side of the house, there is a live oak tree (newly installed) about 6ft away from the slab. The tree is slightly lower (few inches) than the foundation (as the ground is sloping).

Is this a problem? Should I install a root barrier?

Thanks for your help.

/Sridhar

Answer
No the live oak will not cause any problems with the foundation. Dying limbs and their falling on the roof will be a much greater problem than foundation. The slab is thick and the roots over time will grow under the slab can not lift the heavy slab with the house up. Roots grow where there is the least resistance and will not bother a slab. Tree roots can damage patios and driveways since these are not very thick and can be up lifted by roots. I would enjoy the tree and the shade it provides and the lower power bills from the shade.

Six feet maybe a little too close and the limbs may rub on the side of the house, Since you said it was :newly installed" I would move the trees back to about 15 feet this would eliminate the branch problem for quite some time.