Question
I recently purchased a home that is about 4 years old.  The previous owners planted a Locust tree in the front yard.  I measured that it's about 10 feet away from the front overhang (gutter).  Is this too close and something I should be worried about.
Thanks!

Answer
Depending on which locust you have it will grow to maturity to 25-60 feet tall and about 20 foot spread. That will mean this trees  limbs will hang over the house and could be a problem if not cut back to keep them from rubbing the house. The root system will extend beyond the foliage area. Locust roots have not shown any problems with foundation but they have a tendency to send up many sprouts which can be a nuisance. The sprouts will make new trees if not cut off. You can estimate the growth picturing the tree when it was planted and the size now and then estimating the growth say 8 years, 12 years etc. (most trees when planted are about 4-6 feet tall this should give you some idea of how much the tree has grown since planted). If you are thinking about replacing the tree it is easier to cut a small tree now than to wait until it gets large. It is all a personal preference if you like the tree keep it and deal with the limbs as it grows or replace it.