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Is it safe to plant a crabapple tree next to a manhole cover?
flowerlover2
Posts: 77
Hi
I have just planted a crabapple tree (Malus tschonoskii) in my front garden which is next to the drive. There is a manhole cover on the drive, so presumably there will be a sewer tunnel running underneath it. Now the tree is planted about 1 meter away from the manhole. Please could you advise if this is too close?
Many thanks in advance.
0
Posts
I wouldn't plant a tree that close to a drain.
Depends which way the drain itself runs. Presumably you'd have noticed if it goes directly under the tree? Definitely wouldn't do that. I don't think they have particularly 'strong' roots, so probably won't break the drain directly, but any tree will cause movement in the ground, which may well cause a leak. I'd move it a bit further away if you can.
If not and if you're sure where the drain is, maybe put in a root barrier in between it and the tree?
“It's still magic even if you know how it's done.”
Just posted some pics too. Thank you for your advice, much appreciated! Yes, I can move it a bit further along towards to the middle of the border. It will block some light to the windows, but I can live with that.
Hi Flowerlover 2 Looking at your pictures I do not think I would plant a crabapple tree near a drain as it could give you problems in years to come. These trees do grow large if not pruned after a couple of years.A friend of mine has one at the bottom of his garden so its out of the way of everything but although its beautiful in spring it drops leaves and apples all over his lawn.So if it were to remain in your front garden you would be forever clearing up after it.Also you don't want to lose light in your lounge.
Lift the cover and see which way the drain goes. If it goes under your flowers then I wouldn't risk it. If it goes from your house to the road then you'll probably be ok if you plant it further over as you already mentioned.