Hello! We recently moved into a 30-year-old home and our inspector noted that there was a tricolor beech (full size) too close to the house and he worried about long-term foundational issues if there would ever be a crack the roots would move in.
We love the tree, but we are considering removing it in order to protect any future foundational issues
Would you agree two feet from the house is too close?
Thank you..
Thank you for contacting Toronto Master Gardeners with your question about whether your tricolor beech is too close to the house.
You say that your tree is full size, but do not provide its actual dimensions. A full size tricolor beech will grow to about 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide at maturity.
At two feet from your house, I expect the tree branches will hang over/touch your roof, and could cause shingle and/or roof damage.
To avoid tree root interference with infrastructure, Landscape Ontario’s Landscape Tree Planting Guide recommends planting trees 5 to 7 m (16-23 feet) from building foundations for species and cultivars with medium to large crowns at maturity.
The Guide also reports that tree root systems extend roughly 2 to 2.5 times the width of their crowns. It advises that while tree roots generally do not initiate damage to pipes and foundations, they can exploit cracks in foundations.
Given these factors, I think the tree may be too close to your house.
Before proceeding with any tree removal, please review your municipality’s tree removal by laws.
Here is the link for Toronto ‘When To Apply for a Tree Permit’