Question
HI!
We live in Orlando, FL and have a live oak in our front yard. I LOVE the shade, but the front patio is cracking and walkway has been raised up probably 2-3 inches since we moved in two years ago. My husband is watching the crack spread to the house, and wants the tree OUT! Can growth in those roots be slowed/stopped by digging them out?  Or should the whole tree come down to prevent fountain damage to our home?  Any help/ideas in our "next step" is greatly appreciated.  What would you do??
Thank you sooo much!
Katie

Answer
Without seeing the distance from the tree to the house and the type of foundation it is hard to give a good answer. there are root barriers that can be placed along foundations that will keep root away from the house. Usually roots will not harm foundations unless there is a water source that the roots are seeking. Root will raise walkways if the walkway is close to the tree but these can be fixed. I would call the local office of the Florida Forestry state agency and ask one of their Foresters to come out and take a look. This is a free service and their number should be in the local phone book.

Or call the Extension Service office. Celeste White -
Cooperative Extension Service
Orange County Cooperative Extension Service
6021 South Conway Road
Orlando, FL    32812
Phone:   407-254-9210
FAX:     407-254-9245
E-mail:    [email protected]

or the Orlando City Arborist
Earline Luhrman
City Arborist
City of Gainesville - Parks Division
Post Office Box 490, Station 27
Gainesville, FL   32602-0490
Phone:   352-334-2171
FAX:     352-334-3197
E-mail:   [email protected]