Lychee Tree Roots. How Far Down Into The Earth Do These Roots Go Or Is It Surface Type Roots?

Question

Thinking of doing a building project but there is a lychee tree in the area. Is the lychee root system a problem? Would it be possible that this would create a problem in the foundation of the building?

Answer 1

Lychee is a medium sized tree with a canopy spread of 20 to 30 feet. The potential damage from roots is low so you should be able to construct a building nearby. It still should be 15 to 20 feet from any foundation. A publication included below says lychee should be planted 25 to 30 feet away from any building on a house lot.

https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/826

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/design/lideas/foundation-plant-spacing.htm

https://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/HC-1.pdf