Eucalpytus trees

[Lonnie]

Does anyone know the growing habits of the root system of a Ecalyptus tree, my neighbour planted one some years ago, fairly close to the backs of both our houses, and at present, its about twenty feet tall, he's elderly, and has agreed that I can cut some of it down, so thats no problem, its the roots I need to find out about. Thanks.

[alan30]

There are a number of varieties but generally eucalyptus is vigorous and will regenerate (coppice) quickly from a cut stump. If you want to kill the root system use a systemic herbicide such as glyphosate immediately after felling on the cut surface. If this doesn't kill it first time I would let any new shoots develop and the first two or three sets of leaves open then reapply herbicide. Do the usual checks witht he local authority to make sure it is not a 'protected' tree.

[andyjevs]

At 20' tall, it's still a baby and has the potential of reaching 80-100' with ease and in a very short time (10 years !!!!)

But, i'm not aware of their roots causing problems. They're a pretty dry soil loving plant so they won't go looking for water courses like willows do. But, any big tree will have a large root system and i would be inclined to be concerned.
If it was by my house, i'd find a way of getting rid of it. Maybe you can kill the existing tree but offer to buy your neighbour a new small tree and plant it further away....a bit of a peace offerring really.

[Lonnie]

Sorry andy, yours is worth four stars, I did rate it, but pressed the wrong key.

[Lonnie]

I'm going round the bend, done it.

[logman]

Hi Lonnie, Your neighbours tree is likely to be Eucalyptus gunii, the most hardy of the euc's grown in the UK, which unfortunately are often mistakedly purchased as highly ornamental young trees, without realising that they will soon outgrow small gardens and become a problem if planted near buildings and ultimately becomming a huge if slender tree.

After seeing your question re the roots, i decided to do a root and branch study of theseaspects, which are as follows :- they have water searching roots that will actually store water and then be taken up to the leaves as they evaperate in dry weather periods, in the Austrailian outback Aboriginal people, know that they can dig up the roots to get a drink of water. Its also been grown extensivly in swamp areas to drain the swamps of water that harbour the larvea of mosquito in areas where maleria is a problem. As for the branches, they earned the tree the nick-name "the widow maker" in Austrailia, as many a young settler found to his peril after camping out under the trees, as the tree has a tendancy to shed whole branches all in one go!

Not trying to be a scare-monger, but i hope you found the snipits both interesting as well as useful. To summerise every tree has its place! and this one is definately not for the small garden!!!!

[Lonnie]

Thanks logman, thats very interesting, if you got your info off the web, could you post the link please, I spoke to them this morning, and they are going to read up themselves, but i'd like to maybe print off, and take it round, and yes, I think maybe your right about the type, as apart from thinking its an olympic sprinter, it is on the slender side. also in the border by the fence, fortunately, his, and even now it bends with the wind, and I can see that part of the fence in pieces soon.

[logman]

Hi Lonnie, I just got back and saw your latest post,and yes i did get some of the info off the internet. I found a wealth of info using MSN.com and typed in eucalyptus roots and also found some more info on-

en.wikipediaorg/wiki/Eucalyptus

[logman]

ps- Lonnie they will indeed grow tall and slender in confined spaces, infact a stand of eucalyptus in Austrailia was reconised as the tallest trees in the world, that was until loggers felled them all, they even dwarfed the redwoods of the coast of northern California and Oregon, which have now regained the title, some 368ft wow. Tizzybudd had a similar question on monday.

[Lonnie]

Thanks logman, Thats terrific research on your part, thanks very much.

[Lonnie]

Just one other thing about this. its his tree, but if in the future our house is damaged by the roots, whose liable?.

[logman]

Your welcome Lonnie, i learnt a lot from it too!

Re who is liable, i'am afraid i'm no expert onlegal matters, but i think someone like alan30 may have a good answer on this subject..

[Lonnie]

Okay logman, thanks again, i'll make a seperate thread of it, and maybe he'll see it.