Weeping willow- too close to house?

Evening all,

I moved into my home just over a year ago. Outside the front is a beautiful weeping willow which I love. When asking my neighbour if he wanted me to cut back the overhanging branches on his side he declined but pointed out that I may need to look into getting professional advice about it as the roots can interfere with house foundations and drains.

I have done some basic research on the web and it appears as though weeping willows are known for their aggressive roots system. I have posted three pictures and was hoping that someone on here might be able to have a look at give some advice or opinions.

In worse case scenario and I have to cut down the tree. Is it small enough to just cut it down with a saw? Do I have to destroy the balk too? I have never cut back a tree let alone cut one down. The tree isn't too big and I think quite young so it doesn't look too daunting.

Thanks for all your help!

its only a baby will grow allot

Hi Robert,

As the willow is only small i would not worry about the above points too much, yes they can cause problems with drains but only if the pipe has a crack or hole in it already. The roots wont just grow towards the pipe and break into it themselves. As regards the foundations of the house, the type of soil that you are on mades a differance. Where in the country are you ?

Evening all,

 

I moved into my home just over a year ago. Outside the front is a beautiful weeping willow which I love. When asking my neighbour if he wanted me to cut back the overhanging branches on his side he declined but pointed out that I may need to look into getting professional advice about it as the roots can interfere with house foundations and drains.

I have done some basic research on the web and it appears as though weeping willows are known for their aggressive roots system. I have posted three pictures and was hoping that someone on here might be able to have a look at give some advice or opinions.

 

In worse case scenario and I have to cut down the tree. Is it small enough to just cut it down with a saw? Do I have to destroy the balk too? I have never cut back a tree let alone cut one down. The tree isn't too big and I think quite young so it doesn't look too daunting.

 

Thanks for all your help!

 

If that is a manhole cover at the end of the grass(to the right) in picture two get rid IT WILL cause you problems with your drainage in the future.

Nice trees, but completely the wrong site. I would have it straight out - it's going to become a nightmare if you leave it.

I would then replace it with a weeping something else, grown as a standard. I would probably choose the weeping pear, Pyrus salicifolia Pendula, which will look equally if not more stunning, and won't outgrow the site.

Just my opinion!

Alec

That’s the right tree in the wrong place.

Cull it and start again with something much smaller.

Riggerbear: I live about 5 mins south of Birmingham. I am not sure what soil type it is. The ground doesn't seem too sticky.

eggsarascal: Yes it is a manhole cover (good spot!!) There are also manhole covers just out of view on the left.

If I was to get rid- can I just chop it down? Would the balk need removing too or would the roots die once the tree is cut down?

thanks again.

you'd have to dig the roots up if you want to replant

leave the stem at about 3 foot and use it as a way of sprising the roots up (digging is required i'm afraid)

If I was to get rid- can I just chop it down? Would the balk need removing too or would the roots die once the tree is cut down?

Worst case you can always just chop it down and keep chopping off any arising shoots until it dies, but it will always be annoying until it eventually rots. I would be inclined to saw it as high as you can, say 6ft, then dig around with a spade and pull the top of the stump as a lever. You should be able to pull it out reasonably easily, which will give you a good clear space if you do wish to replant.

If you do decide to replant something smaller, dig out a barrowload of soil, mix it with a barrowload of compost and replant. If you use a container grown tree you can do it as soon as you like if you get the stump out, and water it in dry spells for the rest of the year.

Alec

Save your self the time and the client the headache get it out