• This tree is estimated to be about 40 years old. Its extensive root growth has grown under the metal fence and is currently compromising the surrounding cement. I am seeking advice on the appropriate course of action.
  • location southern california



by Sufficient_Tough7122

25 Comments

  1. darkbyrd

    With that beauty? I’d let the fence and concrete be compromised

  2. DarkElation

    Rebuild that portion of the fence to give this beauty plenty of space to keep growing.

  3. swedishfalk

    get rid of the fence. beautiful tree and roots

  4. PacoMnla

    Fertilize it and water more- that tree is holding up that part of your hill.

  5. ClutchMarlin

    If you need a fence have it altered to fit around the roots and hard/landscape to enhance that amazing circulatory system

  6. ippleing

    Leave it alone, I would work around it best i could.

  7. Stillwater-Scorp1381

    That’s amazing root flair. Very beautiful.

  8. glitterguykk

    I would say your fence and hardscape are compromising the tree roots.

  9. Life_Contract1056

    That tree is keeping your house from sliding down the hillside.

  10. Sirosim_Celojuma

    Choose to preserve the fence or the tree or choose to live with it as is. By this I mean if you start carving up the roots to save the fence, you’re going to hurt the tree, it may look ugly and sickly, and then you’ll want to remove it, so may as well choose right now which one is more important to you. Personally I’d get a welder to move some spindles on the fence.

  11. Sabres00

    Grab a chair, crack open a drink, and enjoy the view of your glorious tree.

  12. LobsterLovingLlama

    Hold on to to tree at all costs it’s holding up that slope

  13. MediocreModular

    Them roots didn’t grow overnight. What’s so urgent about this?

  14. Love the “urgent” as if the 40 year old tree suddenly grew the roots overnight

  15. Spiritual_Art2443

    “Tree roots come to the surface for several reasons, including the need for oxygen in compacted or poorly-drained soil, the natural growth pattern of certain shallow-rooted species, and a lack of space. Soil erosion, which washes away the protective layer, and the natural thickening of older roots also contribute to them breaking through the soil’s surface.” If you are in CA, having tree roots protecting erosion is a blessing. If you are looking to cut the tree down or even the roots, you will be posting a new problem in the future. And it could be more of a catastrophic problem.
    Most counties in CA, would or should be able to figure out what responsible way to manage the problem by not taking out the tree.
    Trees are vital to the environment but also incredibly beautiful and add to value and privacy to your property. If you do anything to destroy it because you can just “replant” a new one. It would take you 40 yrs to get an equivalent replacement. Or $40k up front!

  16. glacierosion

    The ficus is telling you it needs more space or no intervention, because in 50 years it will look like something from the Ta Prohm Temple

  17. The_Secret_Skittle

    The fence is not as compromised as you think. The tree is literally growing around it.

  18. Kitkatcrusher

    How close is that tree to your house foundation??

  19. hummus_is_yummus1

    Build a nice wooden barrier and sitting platform around this gorgeous tree. Remove fence and concrete

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