I want to plant a Live Oak tree near my house for shade. I am concerned about the roots growing under the foundation of my house.
2006-09-02 13:18:52 · 10 answers · asked by Dave C 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
Live oaks are very slow-growing and will not produce substantial shade for many years. If you decide to plant one, you should plant it at least 15 ft away from any structure, not because of root invasion, but because of the size of the eventual canopy. These trees need to be planted away from other vegetation (lawns, ivy) because they will develop crown rot if exposed to regular watering. In their native habitat, they rely only on winter and spring rainfall (20 in/year)
2006-09-02 13:30:31 · answer #1 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
an oak tree can grow up to 32 feet around, and I wouldn't be surprised if it could get larger than that. The height can reach up to 100 ft. The spread of the canopy of a full grown oak tree ranges from 85 to 135 feet or more in diameter. They can live over 200 years, so it's always going to be there. The fact that it can grow that large tells you how long the roots might be. If you live on a farm, I'd give it distance. If you live in a rural area, eh, not good. You could grow it and cut it down after you grow it. but that's just a stab in the dark and taking a risk.
2006-09-02 13:26:56 · answer #2 · answered by bme4life89 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would give plenty of room; as much as possible.
Live Oak is not the best solution for shade against your house. Its roots can be alittle tough to deal with and the eventual spread of a live oak can cause problems against the eaves and gutters. Look into Red Oaks or an Elm. Maybe a Cedar or Lacebark. How about Maples. Not Suger though. Try a Trident or October Glory. How about an Allee Elm? Look for this also. Try your local nursery and landscape professional. Not Loews or Home Depot.
2006-09-02 15:11:39 · answer #3 · answered by Ron B. 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do not be concerned about the roots. Do be concerned about it falling over on your house. The tree most likely will grow roots in an area equal to the drip line of the tree canopy.
2006-09-06 01:13:35 · answer #4 · answered by ihavetriedseveralnamesnow 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Consider a sugar maple instead. Gorgeous fall colors and fast growing large trees. Oak trees you will have 1,00-s of acorns to deal with each fall.Do not plant any large tree to close to your house. Not so much because of any root damage to your home but it will get big and branches will be hanging over your house.
2006-09-02 18:14:55 · answer #5 · answered by cin_ann_43 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get ride of it.. NOt only the branches can reach 20-30 feet BTU THE ROOTS.put it this way i grew up in a 1900 victorian 2 story 3000qu house. the tree is in the front about 15ft from the house. the tree covers most of the house the garage the fence and half of the neigbors house... its an old tree. but do it now why you still can. how long? youve got a few year i would say but, by wait till its un move able.
2016-03-27 04:49:26 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes that may be a problem that close to your house. I would say plant it away from the water and sewer lines else in the future years you might have plumbing problems.
I would go about 15 to 20 ft from your house. Good Luck!
2006-09-02 13:36:38 · answer #7 · answered by Carol H 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
this site advises no less than 59 feet , though i would say you could get away with 40 for quite awile, depends how long you want to keep it realy , oak doesnt do well with toping so .. thats the best advise i can give , good luck getting an answer
2006-09-02 13:29:17 · answer #8 · answered by pliskitt 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why the "Live"? Have you already tried planting dead oak trees? Sorry but come on...tell me ya didn't ask for this? Here's your sign...
2006-09-02 13:23:24 · answer #9 · answered by eastern_mountain_outdoors 4 · 0⤊ 4⤋
i have worked around many oak trees for houses.......but as far as shade...i hope ur very young because this is one of the slowest growing trees.......to get good size for shade allow 25 years of growth...........................
lic. gen. contractor
2006-09-02 13:27:29 · answer #10 · answered by bigg_dogg44 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋