Can I cut invasive roots and keep this tree?
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I have a beautiful Catalpa tree that I love. There is one problem, the people who planned the tree put it to close to the house. The roots are huge and growing to the foundation of our home. Can I cut the roots growing to the house and keep the tree or will it have to be cut down. I hate to cut down a tree.
Get in touch with an arborist at a good garden center and ask their advice. The tree can also be moved to a different location.
Yes you can have the roots cut and you’ll need to cut back the canopy by a similar amount.
This is to keep the tree balanced.
I would have a steel barrier put in the ground next to the foundation, to avoid more foundation intrusion. Something like corrugated sheet steel would work.
If you're going to cut back the canopy yourself, do you know how to prune big trees & the Rule Of Thirds?
No. I would have to get a professional to do it. Thank you for your help.
Yes, you can definitely save this beautiful tree. No, don't try to, yourself. We had a similar situation and had to have foundation work done. They dug several large narrow troughs and put steel plates into the ground to curtail root growth and train the roots to grow away from the house. So far, so good. You may be experiencing a similar situation.
Yes it's doable but that's a very root invasive tree species. So it would definitely return. Im sorry but I would remove the tree and plant something less invasive. It's not only the tree but the ground may not be the best for good deep TAP ROOTS. Good Luck.
Yes, you can. Here is what I found. We're about ready to cut some roots on a maple in the backyard.
Wrap a measuring tape around the tree, four feet from the tree's base. Then, divide that number by 3.14. Generally, you can safely prune roots that are 3-5 times the diameter away from your tree. So, if your tree has a diameter of 3 feet, only cut tree roots 9-15 feet awayfrom the tree.
Check to see if there is a Master Arborist who works for the town/city where you live. I made contact with one in the county next to mine for an issue that I had questions on. He was wonderful with his advice.