How far do silver birch tree roots spread?
Birch tend to produce shallow roots that spread out over a large area. The rule is that the extent of a tree’s main root system extends out to what we call the dripline. If you dropped a line straight down from the most outer edge of the canopy, that is the drip line. However, roots can extend further from a dripline, particularly if there is a concentrated water source. Roots will seek this source and concentrate their growth there. I assume you aren’t sure if there’s a potential threat to the house from these roots. The primary problem is that they’ll invade clay sewer lines, water lines and locations where downspouts concentrate water from the roof. If you’re worried about the house itself, that depends on the kind of foundation you have. The biggest problem is slab foundations that sit directly on the ground, and roots that grow big and fat beneath them can cause cracking. Slab homes often have their piping under the slab, and if there’s seepage there, the roots can cause serious p
