Sewer Pipe installation

[Jackie]

A local utility company will be placing a 16 inch sewer pipe in our yard.
They will be boring 6 feet under the ground rather than digging a trench on
the surface. Unfortunately, we have several pine trees, spruce, oak and ash
trees in the area. The trees are approximately 12 years old and about 30
feet tall. Is there anyway that we can help protect the trees from shock or
will the drilling kill the trees? There is no way that they can avoid the
trees. Do conifers have a large tap root similar to oak, etc.

Thanks for any help.

 

[treeclimber165]

Actually the boring is probably the best option. By boring 6 feet deep under the tree roots, they avoid severing the roots of the trees. Hopefully if they are spending the extra money to bore under the roots, they will try to avoid going directly under any tap roots. The effect on your trees should be minimal.

 

[Deere John]

I agree with our collegue treeclimber. Most of the feeding roots of the trees are located in the top foot of the soil, and most of the structural roots (and water uptake roots that go deep) are located in the top 3 - 4 feet, depending upon the species. Boring 6 feet below ground should have minimal effect. I wouldn't worry. Give the workers some lemonade - they will take more care on your property with a kind gesture from you.