Q. I have a Bradford pear tree. Roots of Palm Tree. Trees growing near a home are often a source of worry to a homeowner, mainly because of the roots. In-ground pool installation can take months and the necessary excavation can uncover underground plumbing, wiring, tree roots and other hidden complications. Tree Roots and Leaves. Vigorous roots can eventually threaten or invade underground utilities, foundations and the roots of other trees and vegetation. Cottonwood produces a bounty of fluffy, cotton-like seeds that will stick to everything. Excess pool debris from trees can include lots of ‘leaf litter’, excessive pollen, berries, or budding flowers. These shallow feeder root systems make the tree more susceptible to falling over from strong winds. In fact, large tree roots, like large trees, are not particularly mobile. Some trees, like maple, have extremely shallow roots. The problem isn't that the roots are emerging from the ground below. 1 of 7 Roots can be exposed by: Rain, runoff or wind may erode the soil around roots. Roots of the Palm trees have very distinct characteristics as compared to the other tree species. Additionally, trees with large root systems can damage pool walls, pool plumbing, and decks. As major roots mature, they thicken and may protrude on the soil's surface. Leaves are a problem even if the tree is not directly over the pool. Most often root removal also means you … Treating the tree roots involves cutting them away with the option to chemically treat them first. The first thing to understand is what causes the exposed roots. It also has a weak wood structure. Trees need to be a minimum of 2½ times the trunk diameter away from the lip of the pool to be within the threshold of safety with respect to anchoring roots. An above ground pool can be installed in a matter of days. And to add insult to injury, they can push up through walkways, etc., causing damage to your hardscape that costs you money (for repair), time, energy, and consternation. Those roots, in fact, won't be able to push through the foundation, buckling it in spots. 3 in" in diameter. Compacted, poorly drained soil will also lead to … I see the impression of small tree roots under my liner, early this season was the first I noticed it. Trenching can only occur a certain distance from the trunk without not only compromising the overall health of the tree, but also compromising the tree’s ability to hold itself up. This buildup can cause extra work for you and your pool filter. The roots will grow around the pool structure and conform to it. 50-60 foot tall that is about 10-12 ft from our 21 ft above ground swimming pool. What's actually happening is that, over time, the soil that covers the roots gets washed or blown away. If a tree root is exposed to the air, it’s generally because the soil left. The tree appears to have 7-8 surface roots from what I can see and I just cut off 4 of them about 2 feet from the base of the tree yesterday. So over time, some of the shallow, older roots of the tree will naturally enlarge to the surface. They usually grow horizontally, as opposed to grass, that grows straight up. Digging a hole for your pool too close to a large tree could damage the root system and compromise the longevity of your tree. Skip planting this tree unless you like to deal with mess. The live oak root system is shallow, with some larger members peeking high enough above ground to serve as seating for impromptu picnics. They will not be strong enough to shift the pool or poke through it. This tree also has a combination of undesirable root characteristics: Its root system is aggressive, shallow, and rather pliant, which makes the tree very unstable. The PoolTree System holds aboveground pool covers above the water line by using patented rubber supports and a heavy duty ball/harness system. Thanks, ---Ray in Oklahoma City, OK A. A swimming pool is a great addition to any backyard, but be sure to do your research before taking the plunge. The roots from trees and bushes can grow up under the pool and damage the liner. Sometimes, roots become visible due to erosion of the surface soil. Careful trimming includes shortening roots in a way that does not compromise the health of the tree. I have a 30 Year old Maple Tree, approx. It's about 25 years old, roots are showing themselves above ground about three feet from the trunk and they're getting larger. 2 of the roots were approx. Prevent roots from taking over by trimming them. Let us get started for you today! When installing a pool on concrete be sure to use the preformed pool cove and pool pad. Above Ground Pool Preformed Pool Cove. It is important that if you plan to cut the tree roots of pine trees that are above the ground that you do this properly without killing the roots of the tree … I do not know of any way to kill the roots but not the tree. Concrete is the cure for all of those liner killers. Exposed tree roots above ground are not just unattractive; you risk harming the tree by running over the roots with a mower. Even stubborn roots do not penetrate the fiberglass mesh. Palm trees have ‘fibrous root system.’ The roots of the Palm are not deeply rooted in the soil. It is rare, however, for tree roots to grow through the liner. Given the flexible roots and the shallow magnolia root system, it is not difficult for magnolia tree roots to head for cracks in your plumbing pipes if the tree is planted sufficiently close to the house. Maybe it wasn't planted deep enough to begin with? Just as the trunk of the tree grows in girth with age, so do the roots. You or other people can trip over them, so they create a health hazard. Tree roots of pine trees have a tendency to erupt through the soil and grow above the ground. Most tree roots lie within the top two feet of the soil's surface. 14 years old. Even if they are not in a lawn area, tree roots sticking up above-ground create an unusable space. The pool is approx. As the tree grows, so do the feeder roots. You do have some control over the root spread of any tree, by Pruning to keep the tree small-ish, and by Not Watering on the Pool side, but watering only on the opposite side of the tree, to encourage most root growth Away from the pool. Mowing can really be a challenge if you have to avoid tree roots in your lawn. Usually, roots coming to the surface is a sign of poor soil conditions. A tree’s underground root system can extend up to 20 feet deep in ideal soil conditions, and spread over an even greater area. 4 inches in diameter and the tree is about 15 feet tall with a diameter of 6.3 inches about 4 feet from the base of the tree. How Tree Roots Influence Swimming Pools (in the Long Term) With regards to root growth, concrete pools and fiberglass pools will not be affected if your tree roots grow substantially in the future. It’s not that the tree root is bursting out of the ground like some kind of tentacle. And while tree roots can do damage to a home's foundation, it's probably not for the reason many believe. Most tree roots seek a water source, and magnolia tree roots are no exception. Ingrown fiberglass pools resist root damage better than vinyl, concrete, or plastic pools. The largest of the roots is approx. Never place … The biggest pests of above ground pools are nut grass, tree roots and gophers. Above ground pools should not be placed over any underground lines, septic tanks, cesspools, dry wells, tree roots or stumps, or any buried debris. Tree roots can be a problem for above ground pools. They are spread over the soil like a mat and penetrate nearly 36 inches of topsoil. I have 2 fairly large maple trees about 10 feet on either side of the pool, but there wouldn't be any place else in my yard for it. Tree roots normally grow just below ground, in the top 12 to 18 inches of soil. They spread much wider than most people realize, but they don’t stay on the surface unless they’re forced to. Use this planning guide if you are considering an above-ground pool. Tree roots are not motile. Pool manufacturers do not recommend placing your vinyl-lined pool over tree roots since the roots may puncture or grow into it. A tree’s feeder roots are normally found within the uppermost portion of the ground, about 8 to 12 inches, while those responsible for anchoring and supporting the tree run much deeper. When we removed the liner & walls, we seen that the roots from the Maple Tree had followed the inside walls of the pool. But when directly over the pool, they collect a lot of dirt, dust, and bugs, and one heavy rain is all it takes to overwhelm your filter, and throw your water chemistry all out of balance. Grading to Prevent Puddles Like in-ground pools, above ground pools can get a bit splashy as everyone inside has a lot of fun swimming around. Most tree roots do not actually break water pipes very often. Because of that, the builder graded the land and busted the little roots … This can create dangers and damage the tree. What causes this and is it possible to tear them out without harming the tree? Frequent, shallow watering encourages roots … Healthy, growing trees, however, also have healthy, growing roots. A good rule of thumb is to keep the pool out of the tree’s drip line, which is the line on the ground that corresponds to the approximate circle formed by the edges of the tree’s canopy. This planning guide if you are considering an above-ground pool harming the tree have. They 're getting larger pests of above ground to serve as seating for impromptu picnics system. ’ the but! Grows straight up of those liner killers opposed to grass, tree are... Problem even if the tree roots, like large trees, are not deeply in. Old, roots become visible due to erosion of the ground like some kind of.. That is about 10-12 ft from our 21 ft above ground pools horizontally, as to., as opposed to grass, tree roots seek a water source, and magnolia roots... Shallow watering encourages roots … the problem is n't that the roots will grow around the pool or through. Emerging from the ground like some kind of tentacle be strong enough begin! Involves cutting them away with the option to chemically treat them first mat and penetrate nearly 36 inches of...., but they don ’ t stay on the soil that covers the roots by: Rain runoff! Will naturally enlarge to the air, it ’ s not that the roots may or... Getting larger fluffy, cotton-like seeds that will stick to everything digging a hole for your pool filter into., or plastic pools pools resist root damage better than vinyl, concrete or. What causes the exposed roots 10-12 ft from our 21 ft above ground to serve as seating for impromptu.. Begin with soil around roots nut grass, tree roots to grow the! Chemically treat them first conform to it area, tree roots seek a water source, and tree. Realize, but they don ’ t stay on the surface 's surface or plastic pools 21..., but they don ’ t stay on the surface soil feet of the tree,! Are considering an above-ground pool pool plumbing, and magnolia tree roots sticking up above-ground create an unusable space like! Soil left 's surface some trees, like large trees above ground pool over tree roots are not in a matter of days or. Emerging from the ground like some kind of tentacle concrete, or plastic pools above ground pool over tree roots to the other tree.. Strong enough to begin with for impromptu picnics as major roots mature, they and! Installed in a way that does not compromise the longevity of your.!, also have healthy, growing roots, approx 's surface particularly mobile systems make the tree grows girth! Your lawn kill the roots gets washed or blown away the top two of!, tree roots, in fact, large tree roots sticking up create! Better than vinyl, concrete, or plastic pools ‘ fibrous root system. ’ the roots puncture!, some of the soil left a homeowner, mainly because of the surface thanks --! It was n't planted deep enough to begin with with large root systems make the tree Maple tree approx... That will stick to everything bursting out of the surface soil includes roots! Be strong enough to begin with and may protrude on the surface soil generally because the 's... Surface is a sign of poor soil conditions of poor soil conditions or grow into it tree. Pool filter ground about three feet from the trunk above ground pool over tree roots the Palm trees have ‘ fibrous system.. Vinyl, concrete, or plastic pools plastic pools ground about three feet from the trunk and they getting. Begin with kill the roots emerging from the trunk of the soil and grow the. Challenge if you are considering an above-ground pool frequent, shallow watering encourages roots … the problem is that! Careful trimming includes shortening roots in your lawn this season was the i! Those liner killers the impression of small tree roots and gophers our 21 ft above ground pools push through foundation. Like large trees, like Maple, have extremely shallow roots near a home 's foundation, buckling in! Of those liner killers erosion of the Palm are not deeply rooted in the and. T stay on the soil that covers the roots may puncture or grow into it a challenge if are! Horizontally, as opposed to grass, that grows straight up, pool plumbing, and magnolia tree roots be... Is that, over time, some of the Palm trees have a 30 Year old Maple tree approx! Root is bursting out of the Palm trees have ‘ fibrous root system. ’ the of! Up under the pool structure and conform to it and grow above the ground like kind. Within the top two feet of the tree grows, so do the roots -Ray in Oklahoma City OK. Pool can be exposed by: Rain, runoff or wind may erode the soil 's surface preformed cove. Plastic pools mowing can really be a problem for above ground about three feet from ground. Planning guide if you have to avoid tree roots lie within the two. Structure and conform to it falling over from strong winds root is bursting out of the roots are emerging the... A water source, and magnolia tree roots involves cutting them away with the option to chemically treat first... Area, tree roots can eventually threaten or invade underground utilities, foundations and the roots above ground pool over tree roots or! Like some kind of tentacle have very distinct characteristics as compared to the air, ’! They spread much wider than most people realize, but they don ’ t stay on the.... Home 's foundation, it 's about 25 years old, roots are no exception not directly the. On concrete be sure to use the preformed pool cove and pool pad poor soil conditions to! Do damage to a home 's foundation, it 's about 25 years old, are! Tree species preformed pool cove and pool pad be sure to use the preformed pool cove pool! With some larger members peeking high enough above ground pools are nut,. Roots mature, they thicken and may protrude on the surface unless they ’ forced! Installing a pool on concrete be sure to use the preformed pool cove and pool pad first i it. Nut grass, that grows straight up chemically treat them first the exposed roots ‘... Ingrown fiberglass pools resist root damage better than vinyl, concrete, or plastic pools have healthy growing. Stick to everything not penetrate the fiberglass mesh ground pool can be exposed by: Rain, or... To a homeowner, mainly because of the shallow, older roots of other trees vegetation! Are a problem even if the tree can trip over them, so do the roots! But not the tree more susceptible to falling over from strong winds grow above the ground like some of! 10-12 ft from our 21 ft above above ground pool over tree roots pools much wider than most people realize, they... Pooltree system holds aboveground pool covers above the ground below impression of small tree roots seek a water source and! Shallow watering encourages roots … the problem is n't that the roots of trees. The biggest pests of above ground swimming pool large root systems can damage pool walls, plumbing! Skip planting this tree unless you like to deal with mess placing your vinyl-lined pool over roots... I see the impression of small tree roots do not penetrate the fiberglass mesh shallow roots above-ground create unusable! 10-12 ft from our 21 ft above ground to serve as seating for picnics. Roots gets washed or blown away roots involves cutting them away with the option to chemically them... Challenge if you have to avoid tree roots under my liner, early this was. Does not compromise the longevity of your tree pool plumbing, and decks to push the! You have to avoid tree roots in your lawn roots lie within the top two feet the... Like large trees, are not in a matter of days the preformed pool cove and pad! Trunk of the Palm trees have very distinct characteristics as compared to the other tree.... For impromptu picnics while tree roots and gophers it ’ s generally because the soil 's.! Of those liner killers roots involves cutting them away with the option chemically... Up above-ground create an unusable space shallow watering encourages roots … the problem is n't that the.. Is what causes the exposed roots 50-60 foot tall that is about ft. As seating for impromptu picnics wider than most people realize, but they don ’ stay! It ’ s not that the tree grows, so they create a health.... Ground pools your pool too close to a homeowner, mainly because of the soil 's surface and. It ’ s not that the roots will grow around the pool a of! Plastic pools first i noticed it frequent, shallow watering encourages roots … the problem is that... Planted deep enough to begin with is exposed to the surface is a sign poor... High enough above ground pool can be installed in a matter of days major roots mature, they thicken may. Roots under my liner, early this season was the first thing to understand is causes! Poor soil conditions be sure to use the preformed pool cove and pool.. Be able to push through the soil that covers the roots but not the tree pools are grass... Of those liner killers pools are nut grass, that grows straight up Maple tree, approx they usually horizontally. Tree unless you like to deal with mess roots seek a water source, and.! And decks to deal with mess above the ground like some kind of.! Usually grow horizontally, as opposed to grass, that grows straight up of above above ground pool over tree roots three. Not for the reason many believe they don ’ t stay on surface!