Norfolk pine roots

Question

I have a water main break, and the pipe runs between a Norfolk pine and a live oak. The line is almost touching the trunk of the pine. The plumbers want to dig a hole right next to the tree, cutting roots, and fix the pipe. Is this going to kill the tree? It’s over 30 ft tall, and I’m afraid it will fall on my house or car if it’s weakened.

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Depending on the size hole, It will not harm the tree. Now if you are taking out half of the root system, then yes I would expect it to be damaged. If it is just cutting through a few roots, the tree will be just fine.