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-   -   Maple tree root system (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=2785)

  • Sep 22, 2003, 07:46 AM
    pywacketlove
    Maple tree root system
    I have a large maple tree in my backyard right behind my house. Whoever planted it there must not have been thinking because it is very close to the house. The branches extend out over my roof at least 10 feet. I need to know if this tree is going to cause some problems to my basement wall or not. There is also a sidewalk between the tree and the house. The sidewalk is only about three-four feet from the tree trunk. I really like this tree and don't want to cut it down but I will if I have no choice.
    Please Help so I don't have to!!
  • Nov 1, 2003, 04:59 PM
    labman
    Re: maple tree root system
    I would keep a close eye on the basement wall. I don't think it will be a problem. In time the root will heave and crack the walk. Set your priorities. You can bust up the broken slab and pour another around the root. It won't cost that much for a few bags of ready mix. You could even cut the slab ahead of time so the tree only ruins a small section reducing the repair. Don't worry about the concrete over the root being thin, it will crack before too long anyhow. Maybe eventually the root can stick up through the sidewalk. A short section of brick or asphalt may work too. Many people will cut down an irreplaceable tree to protect an easily replaced sidewalk.

    Keep the limbs trimmed away from the roof and install gutter guards.
  • Feb 26, 2008, 12:00 PM
    krdrco
    How does the roots of a maple tree grow? Deep roots? Or Shallow roots that spread? I would like to plant one in between a side walk and concrete front porch. There would be 3 feet from each side of the tree to the concrete. What do you recommend? Is this not enough room for a maple? Concerned about the roots in the future. :confused:
  • Feb 27, 2008, 05:28 PM
    MOWERMAN2468
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by krdrco
    How does the roots of a maple tree grow? Deep roots? or Shallow roots that spread? I would like to plant one in between a side walk and concrete front porch. There would be 3 feet from each side of the tree to the concrete. What do you recommend? Is this not enough room for a maple? Concerned about the roots in the future. :confused:

    Try planting shrubs in the space between the sidewalk and porch.
  • Feb 27, 2008, 05:29 PM
    MOWERMAN2468
    Maple tree roots are shallow. They cause a lot of damage to yard equipment, and sewer lines for example.
  • Apr 7, 2008, 09:06 AM
    dorothys
    I have a huge maple tree on the border of my property. And have two concerns. Roots of this tree extend to my neighbor driveway. He plants to cut them out completely and put a new driveway. I am afraid that this will make tree weak and since it lean toward my house will eventually fall on the house. And second, huge branch (1.5 or 2 ft in diameter) hangs over my roof. I am thinking of cutting it out but also I read that so drastic action can cost some trouble. So between roost cutting on one side and branch cutting on the other (opposite) what my action should be?
  • Jul 22, 2009, 07:33 AM
    aylove11
    I have a large root from a Maple tree lifting one section of my sidewalk up. I don't want to cut the tree down. If I saw a big piece of the root out and poor concrete to replace the sidewalk will it kill the tree?
  • Jul 22, 2009, 07:33 AM
    aylove11
    I have a large root from a Maple tree lifting one section of my sidewalk up. I don't want to cut the tree down. If I saw a big piece of the root out and poor concrete to replace the sidewalk will it kill the tree?
  • Jul 22, 2009, 08:31 AM
    KUXJ
    Hi! aylove11, and welcome to AMHD :)

    If it happens, I'll let you know, see attached image, post 262:
    https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/garden...352932-27.html

    On a young tree probably, but mine is over 30years old, so I doubt it.
  • Aug 2, 2010, 04:55 PM
    judabl17
    I have a maple tree that is very tall, and is towering over my house and the neibors house, I am wooried about a strong wind, should I trim it back, and I hear the root systems does not run deep, will the wind take over on to something. It has been there since 1988 it is jutting concrete driveway up. What would be the best for me to do?
  • Aug 8, 2010, 09:01 AM
    KUXJ
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by judabl17 View Post
    i have a maple tree that is very tall, and is towering over my house and the neibors house, i am wooried about a strong wind, should i trim it back,

    Depending on how tall, and how proficient you are in the care of trees, yes I would trim it.
    Either by yourself or hire a treeman to do it for you.
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by judabl17 View Post
    and i hear the root systems does not run deep, will the wind take over on to something.

    You heard correctly, maple roots will surface your lawn. That is possible, but more than likely the wind will crack off a larger branch or it will crack after the first lower set of branches.
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by judabl17 View Post
    it has been there since 1988 it is jutting concrete driveway up. what would be the best for me to do?

    Jutting path or cartways are never a good thing, think tripping hazard.

    You could have the contractor that you have to repair the driveway remove the roots in question, and then finish repairing the driveway.

    But in a years time that side of the tree will start to die away. And you will have more falling branches, with the possibility of the whole tree dying in 'bout five years.

    Best advice?
    Since the tree is putting both properties in peril, and if you are on friendly terms with your neighbor, ask if he/she will help to defray any costs, but just for removal of the tree.

    If the contractor you locate to repair the drivway can remove the tree have him do that before he starts the repair. If not, he may be able to subcontract a treeman otherwise you will have to hire one.

    Make sure they use a machine that will dig out the roots, and stump before the contractor starts the driveway repair, he may use a backhoe for this. Either way is okay, just make sure the roots, and stump are removed.

    And last, but not least, please plant at least one tree to replace the one you may remove.
    If your neighbor pitches in, offer to purchase some for he/she too.

    As a general rule of thumb, forestry personnel re-plant four (4) trees for every tree that is removed after a clear-cutting.

    See these two links for help on planting trees in your landscape:

    nrcs.usda.gov trees

    Urban Horticulture Institute, Cornell University
  • May 1, 2012, 05:29 PM
    rgang2
    I think my neighbor killed a 40 ft. maple tree in my back yard there is a wooden line fence and the tree is about 15 ft. from the fence she has a garden up to the fence other neighbors tell me she has killed other peoples trees shrubs and bushes with roundup, could she have possibly found a root in her garden and put roundup on it killing my tree?
  • May 13, 2012, 09:34 AM
    sisterof10
    I have Maple Tree I think the root are wrap around it . The branch's are falling off .They branch's look dry



    Help please
  • May 13, 2012, 09:38 AM
    sisterof10
    ]I have Maple Tree I think the root are wrap around it . The branch's are falling off .They branch's look dry .Some root are very big.




    Help PLEASE

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