Question
We have arborvitae shrubs that are planted next to the foundation of the house we recently bought.  Are their roots big enough to ruin the foundation?

Answer
Hi Eileen,
Thanx for your question.  Generally, I wouldn't recommend having trees growing too close to the house for a number of reasons.  Those being security (criminals can hide amongst them), painting or maintaining the outside of the house can be made difficult, foundation problems.  I don't think the arborvitae would make much of a foundation problem.  We have a tree Expert here on All Experts, Jim Hyland.  He was with the U.S. Forestry Dept. and he has a  lot of experience with Trees.  You can access him by clicking on Home/Garden, click Trees, click Trees again.  I hope this helps.
Tom