River Birch close to foundation

[HuskStihl]

Gentlemen,
I moved into a house 5 yeas ago that had a 3 tree strand of river birch planted in a 5' wide area between a slab foundation and a 4" concrete drive. They were saplings at that point, but are now almost 20' tall. There is enough room for the trunks, but I was wondering if anyody knew this species' propensity for causing root damage to foundations? Thanks in advance

 

[DR. P. Proteus]

It common to see these tree planted in these situations and it common for us to remove them when they have become a bother. Either do it now or keep an eye on it til its time or spend the time and money to dig and install root barrier... which I have never seen done.

 

[HuskStihl]

It common to see these tree planted in these situations and it common for us to remove them when they have become a bother. Either do it now or keep an eye on it til its time or spend the time and money to dig and install root barrier... which I have never seen done.

Thanks Doc, I had assumed they'd be causing a problem, but was hoping maybe, just maybe, that river birch had super-small roots had didn't hurt concrete. I'll have a talk with the wife about their long-term prospects

 

[Raintree]

Seen far to many River Birches planted as ornamentals. I know of a multi-leader tree in a cemetery in down town Hartford that has three 30" plus diameter trunks. These trees do not belong planted close houses, they do have aggressive roots.

 

[HuskStihl]

Thanks Raintree. Hartford? For some reason I thought you were one of them Australians

 

[treeseer]

Hard to tell without a picture.

Roots can be pruned.

 

[Guido Salvage]

W

Hard to tell without a picture.

Roots can be pruned.

With a chainsaw too!

 

[HuskStihl]

The pics aren't great as there's all sort of stuff in the way. The birches were also planted almost on top of the water line coming into the house as well

 

[treeseer]

Not the best spot; with all that open space out front! Is that the north side of the house? east?

Maybe remove the stem closest to the house?

 

[HuskStihl]

South. I'm lot sure all "landscapers" think far into the future. My feeling is that one day these are gonna have to go. I appreciate you boys' assistance

 

[Raintree]

Found a pic of that Hartford River Birch, this is why these trees don't belong as foundation ornamentals.

 

[TheJollyLogger]

I'd be more worried about the water line than the foundation, Jon. They'll have to go eventually, but won't we all.