Crepe Myrtle too close to the house?
Question:I have a 3 year old crepe myrtle that is about 12 inches from my home's foundation. It is on the corner of the house. My husband is concerned that the roots will damage the foundation. Any comments or suggestions?
Answers:
I have one that is about 2ft from the side of my house. It is 30+ft high. I have had no problems at all with the roots and the foundation. I also have one in the front of the house that is at least 40 ft high. It is about 5ft from the house. No problems there either. There is another one next to the garage door. It is about 20ft high and 18" from the house. No problems here either. All of them have been there for more than 30 years.
make sure you keep watering it thoroughly and keep it with enough sunlight
Get a tree expert to come look and see what they think.
I've seen really distant trees damage foundations and really close trees do nothing. An expert can take a closer look. It really depends on the type of tree. A crepe Myrtle has some decent roots, but if your foundation is deep, then they'll just deflect, if the foundation is shallow, they could go under, then die, rot and abcess and make a cave in.
Final analysis, ask an expert that can come look at it, every case is differant.
Edit: I thought you said Wax Myrtle at first.
Yeah, that's a little close. Depending on the variety, it could actually grow thick enough to push against the house with it's trunk.
Crepe Myrtels can be easily mover without complications...Dig a circle around the base as far from the base as you can..(about a foot if able)...Once you have the bush out of the ground, dig your new hole to fit it.Water and enjoy.
Good Luck
I have always had crepe myrtles near our homes, probably about 4-5 feet away from the foundation and never did experience a problem. I've only heard of Maples ruining foundations. Check with a garden center, nurseryman or arborist.
I have lived in 2 homes where well-meaning previous owners panted crepe myrtles right up against the house. The only difficulty we experienced was that this bush/tree can rub the house, damaging wood and paint; or it can trap moisture against the house, causing damage. We had no issues with crepe myrtle roots and our foundation.
Regarding transplanting crepe myrtles, they should be moved in spring or fall (cool weather). Compost or organic matter should be added to the newly-dug hole, and the plant should be watered weekly (until the ground freezes) to establish it. You will know the plant is thriving when you see new growth.
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