What happens when you plant a tree too close to houses

A not very smart neighbor of mine, decided to plant aFicus Elastica VERY close to a wall and a fence.
Ficus elastica
When i saw the plant growing up, i thought it could turn out to be a problem for the surrounding structures, but my lack in knowledge about plants didn't allow me to make some serious prediction.
Long story short, the plant disagreed with his decision, and expressed its disagreement in this way:






The buildings visible in the photos are private warehouses, but there are at least two two-floor houses within the range of the root of the tree.
Here are two illustrations i've made in order to show better the perspective of the area:





When I’ve noticed that the situation was definitely out of control, and since it was involving the area in front of my warehouse, I’ve called the firefighters asking for an inspection: a team came and after some very rough inspections filed a report describing the damage, but not mentioning the specie of the tree.
Anyway, the guy did CUT the tree, and the man who did the work put some type of liquid in the ground after the cut, claiming that the root would never grow up anymore. Well, he was wrong, lol. The root is still growing, and still breaking all over I've found an agreement with my neighbor, so it's not an issue for me: well, actually, I’m HAPPY that this has happened. I took it as a lesson given to him by mother nature. Is there someone who knows whether this species of tree's root is able to grow even after such a cut? I could swear it's still growing Thanks for paying attention

Hi Internos, I might be able to help you out a little bit.

Obviously, as discovered any sort of Ficus should NEVER be planted near buildings or roads or services. speaking of which if yourself or your neighbour has any sort of sewer pipe near the tree it's most likely going to be damaged by the roots (they're looking for water after all).


I'm not to sure about that specific species of Ficus but the roots shouldn't grow back once it's been killed properly. What the guy who cut it down should have done is inject it with a strong herbicide and leaving it to absorb it before cutting it down.
You could probably still do it by core drilling down the stump and putting the poison in that way. Or get the neighbour out there with a shovel and axe! Do it the old fashioned way




Hope that helps mate


edit to add: Here's a link to a product available here in Australia that will make sure that Ficus NEVER comes back.
www.amgrow.com.au...

The only problem? I think poison this potent is banned in America (If that's where you are) Apparently this stuff is a couple of ingredients away from agent orange, scary, powerful stuff!



[edit on 12-11-2008 by Chadwickus]

Yes, this was about the worst tree he could have planted that close. It is a "jungle tree' and therefore planted in anything other than a jungle type area will give you serious problems.

The roots could be 100 feet from the trunk by now (judging from the size of the trunk). The tip of the iceberg is only evident at this point.

This was recently cut?

The trunk should be ground down immediately to prevent continued growth up until next season. They use a machine which will detach the roots from the trunk. Generally it grinds about 3 feet into the ground.

Any roots that are visible should be drilled and poisoned just like was done to the trunk.

Prevent any and all off-shoots from growing, especially if leaves begin.

Your battle has just begun.

Good Luck

Why would someone plant a tree that close to a building? Don't people realize that trees GROW?

I had to have this pine tree cut down. It was here when I bought the place. Roots everywhere! Cost me almost $900 to get that sucker down.
They didn't put any of that root killer down, just ground the stump down and so far, after a year, no signs of it. I'm sure when they planted it 30 yrs ago, they didn't realize how big it would get. It's too close to the house for that big of a tree.

[Mod Edit - picture deleted at member's request]

[edit on 11/13/2008 by yeahright]

Originally posted by Chadwickus
Hi Internos, I might be able to help you out a little bit.

Obviously, as discovered any sort of Ficus should NEVER be planted near buildings or roads or services. speaking of which if yourself or your neighbour has any sort of sewer pipe near the tree it's most likely going to be damaged by the roots (they're looking for water after all).


I'm not to sure about that specific species of Ficus but the roots shouldn't grow back once it's been killed properly. What the guy who cut it down should have done is inject it with a strong herbicide and leaving it to absorb it before cutting it down.
You could probably still do it by core drilling down the stump and putting the poison in that way. Or get the neighbour out there with a shovel and axe! Do it the old fashioned way

Hope that helps mate

Pretty much what he said. I have a ficus and their about impossible to kill. You really need to drill down the middle of the stump and put some kind of root killer in the middle of the stump like the above poster said.

My biggest concern would be underground pipes. If the pipes are old the roots can grow into them and your looking at thousands of dollars to replace the pipes. It's happening to my brother right now with a pine tree.

I really think your neighbour have to dig up the whole root system of that tree. Or does he plan to live like this eventually?

Oh man. That would be a seriously cool house. Too bad I live in a sub-arctic clime. It would be a bit *too* cool here! lol

Thank you for your kind replies: Chadwickus, i live in Italy, that stuff could be allowed here, but i'm not sure. I'm asking to some companies here, thanks for the input my friend.
I would like to addd that the tree has ben cut six months ago, and that the photos were taken today.

[edit on 12/11/2008 by internos]

Ficus generally have very shallow root systems the main root goes a bit deeper depending on the age of the tree, the soil composition and underground obstacles...the secondary roots will run along just under the surface of the soil...creeping roots.

Uprooting Carefully!) the whole stump is recommended. However the roots can still survive so it is recommended to treat them so they do not sprout. The secondary root system can sprout saplings if left in the ground and untreated by some method of poison usually.

I'd call in an specialist to take a look before taking it out. It's roots may have gone deeper if there were no competing trees or plants in the area, and if the soil was loose enough to allow it go deeper.

Pipe lines are the main concern when uprooting a tree...yah just never know what the root system may have grown around.

Pines are bad for this too...very shallow roots but still deep enough to destroy septic systems, water mains and gas lines.