2007-11-12 04:41:43 · 7 answers · asked by sos 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
It would appear that the common opinion for trees being near a house would be, House + tree = worried homeowner.
A poplar or a willow or some other large tree would cause me concern. In the case of the two I mentioned it would be because the roots of these species seek water and are great at finding water and sewage pipes.
Olive however is a tender tree in the UK and I would guess, most cooler parts of the US. Therefore it is slow growing and in the case of the UK more likely to die of cold winters than threaten your home.
No I wouldn't worry. It's never going to get that big and modern foundations are more than a match for such a small tree.
Believe it or not I had a surveyor (yes a paid professional) once refuse a mortgage because a Magnolia was growing 15-20 feet from a building. The tree may of been under threat from the building or the occupiers, but it was never going to be the other way around.
If the Olive ever gets really big there are ways to... erm.. restrict its progress, but I wouldn't worry for the next 20+ years. See what the winters do to it first.
Hope that helps.
2007-11-14 06:59:04 · answer #1 · answered by Ian. Garden & Tree Prof. 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Olive trees are incredibly long lived, lasting potentially for thousands of years. Conversely, to mature they don't generally grow at a fast rate either. They are also best when pruned frequently. In the wild, eg. in Italy, they'll generally get a good sized plot of land, between each tree - maybe 15 feet or so.
I'd base my final judgement on a number of things -
1. your location: climate etc. will dictate growth rate
2. the size of the tree to be planted: if mature or a young plant
3. the foundations of your extension and building height: you might loose some light as the Olive plant grows, or you could be disturbed if the foundations are very shallow, over a long period of time.
Overall, I'd probably consult your neighbour about their plans, as well as a local tree specialist. You could always get something in writing from your neighbour, concerning their plans too. Or influence them to plant a little further away.
Good luck! Rob
2007-11-12 08:03:05 · answer #2 · answered by Rob E 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
AS CAN BE NOTED THE OLIVE HAS AN ENORMOUS ROOT SYSTEM WHICH COULD POSSIBLY DAMAGE YOUR HOUSE FOUNDATION,;THE OLIVE TREE
The Olive (Olea europaea; Heb. zayith, Gk, elaia) is an evergreen tree usually about 5m (16 ft) high, or much taller if unpruned. Young trees have a rather smooth silver grey bark, but with age the slender trunks become stout, fluted and knobby. Many old trees actually develop holes in the sides of the trunks which themselves are hollow; the holes result from old side branches rotting away. The numerous branches form a dense, shady tree which is favoured by animals in the heat of the day.
An enormously spreading root system extends around each tree in order to absorb sufficient moisture in the dry conditions in which it normally grows. Hence the trees are well spaced out in the groves, being planted 11m (36 ft) apart, although irrigated trees are much closer together. Wide spacing allows plenty of light to reach the crown for best fruit ripening.
2007-11-12 04:52:23 · answer #3 · answered by Loren S 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Olives are slow growing, should be OK, depends how long you are there!! I like olive trees so I would be happy.
2007-11-13 07:29:54 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think an olive tree would do much at all. It wouldn't hurt anything.
2007-11-12 04:48:46 · answer #5 · answered by cougarcrazygal 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Yes..in a few years..........its roots will spread and so will its branches..........
2007-11-12 04:49:31 · answer #6 · answered by hghostinme 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
No, they're not that big
2007-11-12 04:50:13 · answer #7 · answered by sarah k 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋