Question
Read the previous answer - but my birch tree is about 4 ft from a cement block foundation which is fairly dry. The trunk is about 8 inches thick. Should I cut this tree down or leave it. So far no problems but what do you think.
Thanks Jim in advance.

Answer
I would leave it. Since it has been there quite a number of years to reach 8 inches diameter you would have seen some damage by now IF there were going to be a problem. If the block foundation near the tree is not cracked then there is and should not be a problem with this tree. You can check the foundation every couple of years and if you see problems then either dig a trench next to the wall or keep watching to see if the problem continues. This will be a slow process--the trees roots grow slow and over night is not going to greatly damage any foundation. Any decision made to remove the tree can be made over a long time period but for now I would leave the tree.