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king palm trees' impact on concrete foundations?


J.D.

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Hello everyone,

We recently rebuilt our garage including a second floor rec room, one foot from the property line with our neighbor.  (That location is essentially where the old garage was, and is consistent with zoning regulations and our building permit.)  The neighbor now wants to plant 4 king palm trees, with starting heights of 10-12 feet, on his side of the garage, possibly as close as a foot away from the garage.  (The garage is only 20 feet from end to end on his side, so I don't know how he thinks that 4 king palm trees of that size will grow and flourish in such a small space, but whatever.)  I'm wondering whether the king palm trees will have a negative impact on the concrete foundation of our garage over time.  The foundation is 2 feet deep.  I've read generally that king palm tree roots don't typically damage concrete very much, due to their thin diameter and tendency to grow in the path of least resistance.  Our landscaper has recommended that we put a 3-foot deep root barrier (made of vinyl or plastic) underground to protect the foundation, and we're going to try to do that.  I think that the people in this forum are probably very knowledgeable about this sort of issue, so I would greatly appreciate your thoughts and suggestions.  Thanks very much.

J.D.

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You see a lot of palms right next to the pools all the time because of their noninvasive roots. Those palms will have zero effect on your 24" footer and installing a rhizome barrier will be a waste of money on your part.  

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JD!

Welcome!

Texas cold Hardy is correct.

I have lots of palms near my concrete, nary a problem.

If you have other questions, feel free to send me a PM (Private Message.)

  • Upvote 2

Let's keep our forum fun and friendly.

Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. Other terms may apply.

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No problem with kings for a foundation that deep. However, a root barrier wouldn't hurt in case your neighbor wants to plant a ficus tree next.

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31 minutes ago, Pando said:

No problem with kings for a foundation that deep. However, a root barrier wouldn't hurt in case your neighbor wants to plant a ficus tree next.

Or

 the dreaded

RUNNING BAMBOO . . . .

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Let's keep our forum fun and friendly.

Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. Other terms may apply.

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Thank you so much to everyone who responded so far.  I really appreciate it, and your comments provide a lot of peace of mind.  I would welcome any additional comments, so please continue to respond if you have any thoughts!

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Ive planted many palms and seen many old ones planted near concrete, and I planted a number near pavers which should be easier to lift.  Palms just dont damage concrete.  You will not have any problems with your garage foundation.    Those kings will grow up and soon there will just be trunks and the crowns will be well overhead.

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Formerly in Gilbert AZ, zone 9a/9b. Now in Palmetto, Florida Zone 9b/10a??

 

Tom Blank

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1 hour ago, sonoranfans said:

Palms just dont damage concrete.  You will not have any problems with your garage foundation.    Those kings will grow up and soon there will just be trunks and the crowns will be well overhead.

They don't damage the concrete, but they can move the slabs over time.

In my case I have clear evidence of concrete walkways tilted by the roots of older king palms and by one queen as well. They don't have the destructive power of ficus roots, but palm roots still have to go somewhere as the palm grows large, and a slab that doesn't have rebar or reinforcement wire will start to move. Note that vehicle driveways and foundations are usually built very strong so palms won't have an effect on them. But it's a different story for unreinforced 4" walkway or loose pavers. Give it 15-20 years and the ground will rise up near the base of the palm trunk lifting all the pavers and walkways with it.

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my next door neighbor has a monster growing on top of a sewer clean out line, irrigation pipes and a stack block wall. so far so good with no damage being caused to either.

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Carlsbad, California Zone 10 B on the hill (402 ft. elevation)

Sunset zone 24

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Absolutely harmless. These have been in the ground about fifteen years and there is no intrusion even in the nearby pavers. The roots conform to any hard surfaces.IMG_3996.thumb.JPG.d83253a84b74e3aa8e53dIMG_3999.thumb.JPG.0219838b3d800a0a3fc55IMG_4001.thumb.JPG.5f93a86a676f0bfb93a4e

Edited by Jim in Los Altos
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Jim in Los Altos, CA  SF Bay Area 37.34N- 122.13W- 190' above sea level

zone 10a/9b

sunset zone 16

300+ palms, 90+ species in the ground

Las Palmas Design

Facebook Page

Las Palmas Design & Associates

Elegant Homes and Gardens

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Washingtonias, which are warm temperate palms - adapted to dry summer, only devour concrete, when planted to closely, through extension of root zone above ground. But still no lifting of the slab after 30 years... 

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Washingtonia nr 1

IMG_20170816_173321.thumb.jpg.6bb55f7bb9

Washingtonia nr 2

IMG_20170816_173424.thumb.jpg.366f162646

Livistona mariae

IMG_20170816_173712.thumb.jpg.4a04e126be

All three plants are way robuster than a king palm, yet no lifting of the concrete. 

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