QuestionI live in Spokane WA. About 8 years ago I planted several Poplars in my Front & Side Yards--one about 10-12 ft from the corner of my Home & within 2-3 ft of the line between my place & the Neighbor's. Of course, they've all grown tremendously both up & out! The roots of the one close to my House & the property line--which is about 10-12 ft from the Neighbor's Home--has above ground roots growing to within 3-4 ft of my house & on into the Neighbor's yard! A Horticulturist from the NDSU Extension Service says that the "roots will turn when they reach a foundation," and that "if the foundation is not broken and leaking water the roots will not damage it!" Further, he says that we'd " have more trouble with the branches as the trees continue to mature than the root systems causing foundation problems." Can you expound, verify, clarify &/or comment on this matter? Your expertise will be appreciated by both my Neighbor & I. Thanks!
AnswerI agree with him about the root systems they will not be a problem to the foundations. The limbs with time will spread and may rub the houses and this can cause problems in damage to the roof and sides of the roof. When this starts to become a problem prune the limbs that are reaching the house off at the trunk. This will mean that the tree will not have any limbs on the lower part of the trunk. If you like the trees leave them and just plan to prune the limbs when needed.
