[CANUFNET] Tree Roots and Foundations

[Ian Wilson]

Geoff,
 
I saw an excellent presentation on this topic last year at the Western
Chapter ISA Conference, by Nelda Matheny.  Nelda co-authored the Trees
and Development book and she's done some research on this topic in
California.
 
>From what I recall, it's pretty rare for tree roots to directly crack
foundations, but there is evidence that they can indirectly affect
foundations in areas that have "expansive clay" soils, since these soils
swell up with water and then the roots can suck the water out of the
clay causing localized shrinkage of the soil and possibly affecting the
foundation.  The good news is that expansive clay soils are only common
in certain areas of North America.  Some parts of California have these
types of soils and they also have trees like Eucalyptus that transpire
large volumes of water out of the soil.
 
I suggest you speak to Nelda and check the soil maps for your area
 
Ian Wilson
City of Kelowna

	-----Original Message-----
	From: canufnet-bounces at list.web.net
[mailto:canufnet-bounces at list.web.net] On Behalf Of McLeod, Geoff (IS -
Parks)
	Sent: Saturday, April 04, 2009 12:48 PM
	To: 'canufnet at list.web.net'
	Subject: [CANUFNET] Tree Roots and Foundations
	
	

	Good day everyone.  I expect another year of complaints
revolving around root damage to foundations.  I'm wondering who might
have readily available information to the contrary?  You can either send
me literature references or electronic papers if you have them
available.

	 

	Thank you

	 

	 

"Vision without action is a daydream: Action without vision is a
nightmare!" 

 

 

Geoff Mcleod BSc., BSF., MSc.
Superintendent Urban Forestry/Pest Management
City of Saskatoon
1101 Ave P. North
Saskatoon, SK S7K 0J5
office: 1.306.975.2537 
email: geoff.mcleod at saskatoon.ca 

 

	 

	 

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