Chinese Elm Trees - root systems

mookieloo47 · 28th June 2011, 06:55 PM

Hi,
I was wondering how damaging Chinese Elm Tree roots are to concrete slabs.Our tree canopy has almost reached our roof.Should we remove it?
It provides wonderful shelter from the western sun.
Your advice would be appreciated.

Darrell Mcleod · 28th June 2011, 06:56 PM

Can you supply pictures of the tree, its size and proximity to house?

Eric Frei · 28th June 2011, 07:15 PM

to paths and driveways, they'll lift it easily. To a house slab, not likely.

More likely is subsidence on a clay soil.

What was your soil category upon construction? In other words the geotech report, always required prior to construction.

Brent Ferris · 29th June 2011, 03:22 PM

I would be more inclined to install a root barrier perhaps 3 to 5 feet out from the edge of the house to minimize the effect of any roots reaching the house or the weepers around them. Chinese Elm like to live, so the barrier should probably be installed 5 to 6 feet deep along the length of the house facing the tree, and perhaps down the sides, As Eric pointed out, soil type does make a difference to water drainage and tree growth.

mookieloo47 · 29th June 2011, 09:02 PM

Thanks everyone for your replies and info.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Frei

What was your soil category upon construction?

The soil is clay. Could you please tell me what subsidence is, and how clay will effect the growth of this tree?

Quote:

Originally Posted by cruisin_long

Can you supply pictures of the tree, its size and proximity to house?

I will take some photos and post tomorrow.The tree is approximately 4 metres high and approx 4-5 metres from the house.

Quote:

Originally Posted by treeshaveneedsi

I would be more inclined to install a root barrier perhaps 3 to 5 feet

Thank you - I will look into this.

Eric Frei · 30th June 2011, 08:13 AM

Help yourself, use the search button.

Brent Ferris · 1st July 2011, 09:27 AM

At 4 metres, your Elm is still small. It should be able to reach 80-90 feet, and a crown spread of 50-60 feet -- probably within 50 to 60 years. So taking precautions now will certainly help you down the road.

mookieloo47 · 2nd July 2011, 09:51 PM

Hi,

On reflection, am wondering if this is a Chinese Elm..

This tree is maybe 5 meters in height, but is not losing it's leaves as it should be doing at this time of the year

I have taken a couple of pictures. Any help in identification and habits would be great.

Thanks

http://i671.???????????.com/albums/v...ystals2599.jpg
http://i671.???????????.com/albums/v...ystals2598.jpg

mookieloo47 · 2nd July 2011, 10:08 PM

Hi, sorry for the mess up of photo links. I was not aware that image hosting sites were not allowed

Will try again later

28th June 2011, 06:55 PM	#1
mookieloo47 I'm new here so be nice Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: australia Posts: 4	Chinese Elm Trees - root systems Hi, I was wondering how damaging Chinese Elm Tree roots are to concrete slabs.Our tree canopy has almost reached our roof.Should we remove it? It provides wonderful shelter from the western sun. Your advice would be appreciated.

28th June 2011, 06:56 PM	#2
Darrell Mcleod Mature tree Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Victoria Australia Posts: 242	Re: Chinese Elm Trees - root systems Can you supply pictures of the tree, its size and proximity to house?

28th June 2011, 07:15 PM	#3
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,990	Re: Chinese Elm Trees - root systems to paths and driveways, they'll lift it easily. To a house slab, not likely. More likely is subsidence on a clay soil. What was your soil category upon construction? In other words the geotech report, always required prior to construction. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Palm and Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

29th June 2011, 03:22 PM	#4
Brent Ferris Veteran Heritage Status Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,555	Re: Chinese Elm Trees - root systems I would be more inclined to install a root barrier perhaps 3 to 5 feet out from the edge of the house to minimize the effect of any roots reaching the house or the weepers around them. Chinese Elm like to live, so the barrier should probably be installed 5 to 6 feet deep along the length of the house facing the tree, and perhaps down the sides, As Eric pointed out, soil type does make a difference to water drainage and tree growth. __________________ My business: Tree Pruning and Removals -- Strump Removals -- Advice -- Consulting -- Arborist Reports Consulting Forester If you want an honest opinion, call Brent Ferris...because, Trees want to Live Too ! We do great jobs, even in small yards. Free Estimates Oakville to Oshawa - North to Bradford (Will travel further if cost of travelling covered) Email -- treeshaveneeds@3web.com Cell 416-460-5704

30th June 2011, 08:13 AM	#6
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,990	Re: Chinese Elm Trees - root systems Help yourself, use the search button. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Palm and Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

1st July 2011, 09:27 AM	#7
Brent Ferris Veteran Heritage Status Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,555	Re: Chinese Elm Trees - root systems At 4 metres, your Elm is still small. It should be able to reach 80-90 feet, and a crown spread of 50-60 feet -- probably within 50 to 60 years. So taking precautions now will certainly help you down the road. __________________ My business: Tree Pruning and Removals -- Strump Removals -- Advice -- Consulting -- Arborist Reports Consulting Forester If you want an honest opinion, call Brent Ferris...because, Trees want to Live Too ! We do great jobs, even in small yards. Free Estimates Oakville to Oshawa - North to Bradford (Will travel further if cost of travelling covered) Email -- treeshaveneeds@3web.com Cell 416-460-5704

2nd July 2011, 09:51 PM	#8
mookieloo47 I'm new here so be nice Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: australia Posts: 4	Re: Chinese Elm Trees - root systems Hi, On reflection, am wondering if this is a Chinese Elm.. This tree is maybe 5 meters in height, but is not losing it's leaves as it should be doing at this time of the year I have taken a couple of pictures. Any help in identification and habits would be great. Thanks http://i671.???????????.com/albums/v...ystals2599.jpg http://i671.???????????.com/albums/v...ystals2598.jpg

2nd July 2011, 10:08 PM	#9
mookieloo47 I'm new here so be nice Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: australia Posts: 4	Re: Chinese Elm Trees - root systems Hi, sorry for the mess up of photo links. I was not aware that image hosting sites were not allowed Will try again later

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