Invasion of the Neighbor's Tree Roots - Ask Extension
The neighbors behind us planted maplelike trees and pines about twenty years ago within a couple feet from our fence line. There are about 9 trees pla...
Knowledgebase
Invasion of the Neighbor's Tree Roots #866390
Asked April 29, 2024, 8:15 PM EDT
The neighbors behind us planted maplelike trees and pines about twenty years ago within a couple feet from our fence line. There are about 9 trees placed along the 70 foot property line. The roots from these trees are now invading our yard, with the roots surfacing in our lawn and are now approaching our patio which is about 30 feet from the fence line. I need to redo the lawn because of this damage, but am concerned that the roots will continue to be an issue. I'm also concerned that the roots will eventually damage the patio and the home's foundation. What can be done to stop these roots from progressing? My understanding is that if I cut the roots and it causes damage to the trees that I could be held liable for the value of the trees. Any guidance is much appreciated. Thank you kindly!
Washington County Oregon
Expert Response
Pertaining to the surface roots in your lawn, an option is to add more soil to give the shallow roots more soil depth and redo your grass on top. Shallow roots that surface are often a sign of shallow or compacted soil, so adding a bit of soil could be helpful to the trees and your lawn.
With regard to the patio, since this is ~30 feet from the trees, cutting the roots, digging a narrow trench, and installing some kind of root barrier is a likely option. Cutting the roots that far from the tree should not be a major problem for the trees given all the rooting space they have in the first 30 feet.
Root barriers could include specialized plastic panels designed for this purpose. Or more permanent cement or concrete.
I am a forester and not an expert on landscape yard tree issues. So you should also look for other advice from arborists and landscape horticulturists.
With regard to the patio, since this is ~30 feet from the trees, cutting the roots, digging a narrow trench, and installing some kind of root barrier is a likely option. Cutting the roots that far from the tree should not be a major problem for the trees given all the rooting space they have in the first 30 feet.
Root barriers could include specialized plastic panels designed for this purpose. Or more permanent cement or concrete.
I am a forester and not an expert on landscape yard tree issues. So you should also look for other advice from arborists and landscape horticulturists.
