Recently I did a phased inspection on a home that is being built between three large Live oak trees. I mentioned in my report that the roots of these trees will invade the monolithic floating slab foundation. I was amazed that the builder went ahead and built the house. One of the trees, a large root bound tree, is roughly 8 to ten feet away from the trunk. The builder did pour the foundation 3' 10" above the natural grade, which will hold of the root growth from under the foundation for a few years.
I mentioned to the homeowner he will absolutely be required to place a sprinkler system around the foundation so it does not loose the natural moisture that is there and will help avoid deviation of the foundation. I also mentioned to the owner that he will also be required to irrigate each and every tree. A study by Texas A&M said that most large trees require a minimum of 50 gallons of water/day. When the droughts hit, he will be required to irrigate these trees on a daily basis.
There is a good side to the trees being so close, they give shade to the home. They will also give plenty of tree debris especially during early spring when live oaks shed their flowers (male reproductive parts). Then summer when they shed their acorn seed, and then in late winter when they shed their leaves.
It is a nice house....
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