Question
We have a young (Quercus virginiana) live oak about 15 to 20 feet from our house foundation that, is about 20 to 25 feet tall.Will the roots damage our house foundation?
We reside in Gonzales,Louisiana.
We are considering removing the beautiful tree in case damage occurs.

Answer
I would not be concerned about a tree that is 15 -20 feet from the house the roots will not be a problem. This far away the roots that reach toward the house will be small and will not bother the foundation. A trees roots spread a little more than the reach of the limbs but if there is a obstruction they will if they can turn from the obstruction. The roots are in the first 24 inches of the soil and the foundation footing is usually below this point so as the roots grow toward the foundation they will hit the cement and turn since the foundation will act like a barrier. ( assuming this is a slab foundation). If it is a crawl space foundation then there will be not problem anyway.