Botanic Garden >> Gardening > >> Question and Answer >> Plant Species >> Trees

Bald Cypress Roots Near Pool: Retaining Wall and Grade Change Provide Protection

Two neighbor bald cypresses: one 20-25 feet from pool (shed/court between), one 12 feet away but 4 feet lower with railroad tie retaining wall. Owner asks about root barrier depth.

West Tree (Shed/Court Buffer)

Cement court and shed block root growth toward pool (no moisture). Mature spread ~25 feet; roots ~1.5x spread. Not a threat.

North Tree (Grade Change + Wall)

Roots grow in top 3 feet of soil where air/moisture exist. They do not grow upward 4 feet to the higher pool grade. The retaining wall further blocks horizontal growth. Root barrier unnecessary.

Real Concern: Leaf/Needle Drop

Both trees will drop foliage into the pool. This is the primary maintenance issue.

Verification Option

Free state forester visit can confirm. Unusual site layout warrants professional eyes.

Follow-Up: Cement Wall Depth Question

Owner asks cement wall depth if still concerned. Answer: Unnecessary—roots won't grow up 4-foot grade change. Conditions favor lateral growth away from wall.

Trees: Bald Cypress Knees Threatening Foundation: Root Barriers or Removal?; Bald Cypress 13 Ft from House: Plumbing Risk Low After 25 Years; Italian Cypress Roots and Concrete Pools: No Threat to Gunite; Italian Cypress Roots and Fiberglass Pool Damage: Diagnosis and Root Barrier Solution; Managing Bald Cypress Roots Near a Pool: To Prune or Remove?; Neighbor's Cypress Roots Damaging Driveway and Foundation; Removing Bald Cypress for Construction; Bald Cypress Knees vs. Roots: Identification and Management; Bald Cypress Knees Threatening Foundations: Root Barrier Solutions in Texas; Bald Cypress Roots and Foundation: Removal Best

Garden Articles

Italian Cypress Roots & Driveways: Low Risk, But Mind the Spacing

Planting Bald Cypress in 4 ft of Water: Likely to Fail

Bald Cypress Knees at Foundation: Root Barrier Solution

Magnolia Near Pool: Root Barrier and Leaf Litter

Bald Cypress Roots and Pier-and-Beam Homes

Bald Cypress Knees Near Foundation: Root Barrier Installation

Bald Cypress Galls: Harmless Cypress Gall Midge Damage

Plants

Leyland Cypress Roots Damaging Sidewalks: Barrier Solutions

Planting Bare-Root Bald Cypress for a Pond Edge in Florida

Bald Cypress Knees in Yard: Cut Them, They'll Return If Soil Stays Wet

Excavation Near an Old Cypress: Protected Root Zone Calculation

Tree Roots Under Pool: Cutting and Barriers

Planting Bald Cypress at Lake's Edge

Baby Bald Cypress Uprooted Twice: Builder Warranty Replacement