Q: We are contemplating purchasing a home in Green Valley. There is a beautiful white oak in the front yard about 15 feet away from the home. There is a root lifting the brick pavers. How or what should I do to make sure the roots arenโt going under the foundation. Also, could I dig up that root and cut it so it doesnโt do any more damage, without hurting the tree?
A:ย The Arizona white oak (Quercus arizonica) is a beautiful tree, but unfortunately someone planted it too close to the house. The mature size of that species can be as wide as 50 feet. The problem you described could get worse as the tree matures. You should probably hire a certified arborist to take a look at the tree and determine the gravity of the situation. Some companies have an air spade to temporarily blow away the surface soil to get a better sense of where the roots are and which ones are expendable, if any. Some roots are critical to the stability of the tree so you wouldnโt want to cut away one that is preventing the tree from falling over.
Peter L. Warren is the Forest Health Program Coordinator for the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. Questions, photos and videos may be emailed toย tucsongardensage@gmail.com
