Advice on White Karee please?

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xandre Cape Town, South Africa Jan 06, 2008

Hallo to all. I am a new user to the forums.

I have a White Karee in my front garden, quite close to my front door. I am crazy about this tree as it is not only just lovely to look at but also provides much needed shade in the hot summer times and draws many types of birds and insects. Recently I was informed by a friend that I should have this tree chopped out as it has roots that will damage the foundations of my house. I have noticed shallow roots that are rather thick running from the tree. I really do not want to chop this tree down if it is not absolutely necessary. My internet browsing seems to suggest that the White Karee has unagressive roots but now I am no longer sure after being told otherwise and also seeing the roots. Does anybody have knowledge of this particular tree and are the roots "dangerous"?

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WeeNel Ayrshire Scotland, United Kingdom Jan 07, 2008

Hi xandre, Big welcome to Daves Garden forum, hope you enjoy meeting fellow gardeners and perhaps even helping us in the future.
Sorry but I dont recognise the tree by that name, it sounds wonderful if it attracts lots of wildlife to your garden, all I can say is, all tree roots can be dangerous IF grown in the wrong place, like too close to foundations or side walks, some more so than others,
Perhaps someone on the Tropical forum could help you more, or if no one else come to the rescue, then try your Botanical gardens, I know you have wonderful parks and public gardens in Cape town, even a phone call to them could help you out. I would not remove the tree till you get the proper advice, so long as this is soon, some trees grow really fast which in turn the roots do also, wish I could be of more help, but perhaps someone else will come onto the thread and be able to give you answers. best of luck. Weenel.

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ecrane3 Dublin, CA(Zone 9a) Jan 07, 2008

It's Rhus pendulina http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/105428/ I don't know anything about it unfortunately, just figured having the Latin name might help others who know it by different names.

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WeeNel Ayrshire Scotland, United Kingdom Jan 08, 2008

Well done Ecrane, now I do know the tree, we call them either Sumac's or Cotonis, they do have wonderful burnt orange foliage here in winter and some can be a bit invasive by runner roots. I would say the roots are too close to the house and must be kept closely watched, if it is not too large a tree yet, maybe it could be dug up and moved, but the trouble with them is, they can seed into cracks and crevices of a building and grow from the smallest amount of soil and water, so take care about the size and damage that could be had. good luck. WeeNel.

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