Indiana
This tree came with the house. I’ve lived here 10 years. Anyway it’s a native red maple, but the roots naturally grow shallow, and also it was planted super shallow on top of that. I’m afraid it’s just a matter of time before it messes up the foundation. Is this a valid concern? Is there anything that can be done preventively besides have the tree removed?
by Only_Fishing_8538
6 Comments
This tree may actually be planted too deep as the rooflare isn’t visible. Red maples are swampy lowlands species where oxygen isn’t readily available in the soil. They’ve evolved to grow surface roots in those situations to compensate. So, what we’re looking at is completely normal and there’s no concern.
Ideally, you want to expose the root flare and remove that brick border. Don’t cover the roots with soil or cut them as it’s detrimental to the tree. You can plant around them and turn it into a mulch bed. Join us over at r/tree for more tree care tips.
Seems unlikely to me, and I don’t think you can make roots go deeper into the ground by planting the tree deeper in the ground. That just kills the tree. I suspect this one is planted too deep, or at least mulched too deep. It doesn’t look super close to the house and I don’t see why the roots would damage the house. Try r/arborist.
No, very unlikely. I’ve had massive oak trees right next to a house that didn’t bother the foundation.
Try r/marijuanaenthusiasts (I promise it’s a sub about tree care). They will likely tell you to remove that ring and may have some more specific advice for this particular species.
Tree roots typically only grow into foundations that are already damaged.
I have red maples that have lived about the same distance from my house for about 40 years. Never had a problem with them impacting the foundation.