Tree Next to Salt Water Pool

[JosephBOB]

I have an older mature silver maple tree on my property. It is approximately 85 feet tall by 50 feet wide (26 x 15 meters). I was concerned when my neighbor recently installed a large above ground salt water swimming pool 5 feet (1.5 meters) from the property line. The tree is about 25 feet (7.5 meters) from the fence.

 

I built a concrete retaining wall along the fence to prevent my property from being flooded. But I am concerned about the roots that may extend past the 25 feet that may go under the retaining wall under his property. Doing the math I approximate 15 percent of the roots past the 25 feet may be affected.

 

Do I need to be concerned for the health of the tree if he drains the salt water pool? 

[Treeation]

Is the retaining wall dug into the soil? If so how deep? Majority of tree roots in the top 600mm of soil profile where conditions are favorable.

[JosephBOB]

There is a small concrete ledge that divides the property lines. I built the 1m retaining wall on top of this ledge. I do not know how deep it goes since it was there when we purchased the house. I can dig a test hole to see if I find out.

 

If in worst case the salt water gets drained on 5 to 7 percent of the tree's total roots would this be enough to damage the tree?