CA Pepper Root Trouble

[jeffbuch]

I had several of these trees installed by a landscape contractor three years ago. The contractor assured me that their root system would not do any damage and would not grow close to the surface. My concern was that two of the trees are in corners of my yard approx 1 meter from Block Walls. Now one of my walls has a major crack, and it appears that there is a root right at the surface where the Crack begins. I assume that the Crack is being caused by the root, but i am wondering if there is anything I can do without having to completely remove the trees. Can I trim the root in the problem area? or am i just prolonging the inevitable need to remove the trees? Any help or advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Jeff

 

[Ekka]

Jeff

My first impression is why would a landscaper plant that?

check this out

http://www.championtrees.org/champions/peppertreecalifornia.htm

 

[BlueRidgeMark]

My first impression is why would a landscaper plant that?

I can think of two possible reasons:

1. He's an idiot, and really doesn't know any better.
2. He gets them really cheap and doesn't care what damage it does after he's gone.

They're a nice tree, but they need some SPACE! And not much will grow underneath one.

So, Jeff, where in Yuppie County are you? That's my old stomping grounds.