Tree Root Problem?

Question

My neighbor has a large over grown tree, roots are growing toward my pool, patio & house foundation. We are pouring new concrete around the pool and a new patio slab. if I pull out the roots and pour salt of them will that kill them or keep them from growning back? Any other ideas?

Answer 1

It will also do damage to the tree. Talk to your neighbor, if you don't want him as an enemy, and see if the two of you can get an arborist to look at the problem and suggest the best course of action.

Answer 2

Tree roots actually won't cause damage to a properly installed sidewalk, patio, or pool deck. Chances are when you dig out for the new concrete you will end up cutting some roots. You will not keep them from ever coming back no matter what you do. Even if you do decide to put salt in the soil which isn't a good idea or something I would recommend, eventually the salt will leach out and the roots may regrow. You might want to consider what will happen to the tree if you do salt the soil or cause extensive damage to the root system of a tree. Could it fall on your house, garage, car or any other personal property?

Answer 3

The best thing is to take a ditch witch with the longest extention bar and run it along next to the property line. I would also do as you said and add salt to the dirt as you fill it back in. You are legally allowed to cut any root over your line. I personally would talk to the neighbor about it. We had a tree ruin our foundation and you don't want to know how much it cost to fix 2 walls....Try asking about having it removed and share some of the cost because the roots are going to come back again.

Answer 4

There is a machine that you can rent at your local rental store that chews up stumps and roots and spits them out as chips. You really need to do this, you are looking at big problems in the future if you don't. I think it is around $50 at our rental store. It is easy to use and doesn't require a lot of muscle.

Answer 5

In the US, you have the right in most jurisdictions to trim anything overhanging the property line, but you do not have the right to harm the tree. (Besides which, salt is h*** on concrete.)

Likewise, your neighbor has a responsibility not to cause property damage with his/her tree.

Suggest you talk to your neighbor and see if you can come to an agreement about the tree.

For more information:

Answer 6

cut them as far back toward the , neighbor fence,
tell them what you intend to do , they mite even take down the tree