[Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page

[Dick]

Ironwood is a very slow growing tree. I have been around the desert much of 
my 82 years and I have never seen structural damage from one.  That is not 
to say that this and a bunch of other trees don't have that destructive 
potential under the right circumstances that were out of my sight..

Although slow growing, deep infrequent irrigation out at the drip line  as 
opposed to shallow irrigation would be my line of defense. Roots reaching 
deeply rather than along just under the ground in search of water would, I 
predict, prevent the intrusion from happening. But, watch the tree carefully 
and take preventive action as soon as a problem rears its head. I don't 
believe it will. In years past in another desert, I used to dig dead 
Ironwood stumps from the ground to use as stock for carving. Their 
subterranian structure never appeared to be in a place that would readily 
raise foundations and concrete slabs. Roots will search for water where ever 
it can be found but won't, I believe, cross dry land to reach it. That is my 
opinion. Whoever out there has a different view is welcome to dispute the 
above.

I would not remove the tree at this time but it might be prudent to limit 
water.

Dick Gross, MGV





----- Original Message ----- 
From: <MARJACK13 at cox.net>
To: <arid_gardener at Ag.arizona.edu>
Sent: Thursday, February 28, 2008 11:03 AM
Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page


> JACK
> 85266
> MARJACK13 at COX.NET
>
> WE PLANTED AN IRONWOOD TREE 5 YEARS AGO IN OUR BACK YARD NEAR OUR STUCCO 
> WALL ENCLOSURE AND CLOSE TO OUR FLAGSTONE PATIO.
> OUR LANDSCAPER TOLD US THE TREE'S ROOTS WILL ULTIMATELY EXPAND AND DAMAGE 
> THE STUCCO WALL UNDERSTRUCTURE AND CAUSE THE FLAGSTONE PATIO TO CRACK AS 
> WELL.
> HE FEELS THE TREE WILL EVENTUALLY GROW TO BE TO LARGE AND SHOULD BE 
> REMOVED TO PREVENT FUTURE DAMAGE.
> PLEASE ADVISE WHETHER THIS SHOULD BE DONE.
> THANK YOU
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Arid_gardener mailing list
> Arid_gardener at CALS.arizona.edu
> http://CALS.arizona.edu/mailman2/listinfo/arid_gardener
> All contents copyright 2007. Arizona Board of Regents/University of 
> Arizona
>