Roots close to Home Foundations
by Aaron
(Charlotte, NC)
We have an area in front of our house where we believe when it was built in the 80's were plans to plant something. The area wraps around the front of the house and by the driveway is fairly wide and deep. We are wanting to plant a Lilac tree or bush (8' to 15' type) but I'm worried planting it 6'-8' from the house will be too close for the roots to possibly get to the foundation and or grow too wide to have to be pruned where it will look more like an arrow than a bush or tree. I believe the width will be ok, just mostly concarned about foundation issues later as it matures. Thanks for your advice.
Doug says not to worry. If your basement walls are firm and not full of cracks, a shrub isn't going to hurt them at all.
Trees actually fall into the safe category as well although some water-hungry species such as poplar can reach into tiny cracks as they explore for more water. Generally, if that foundation wall is good - then you're fine. But if it's cracked - a tree can and will invade.
Remember that almost all plant roots are in the top 2-3 feet (yes, even large trees) so penetration or tree roots actually creating the crack isn't a problem - particularly at the base of foundations.
