Our Camelias Are So Old They Are Trees. One Is Very Close To The House. Will The Roots Start Pushing Up The Foundation? And How Ca

Question

n we save her from being destroyed? All of our camelias are trees, this one in particular is the only one of its kind on our property. The blooms are red and are bell or funnel shaped looking a little bit like a lily. The tree is at least 50 years old so I don’t want it to be chopped down if not necessary.

Answer 1

Depending on how close it is, then it is possible that it will damage your foundation. If it is more than 1 or 2 feet away from your foundation, then there should be no issue. If it is closer than that, then it could definitely do some damage. The problem becomes the roots closest to the trunk, which can get larger than roots further away.

You could take a cutting and root it. This would give you a second plant, that is just like the one that it comes from. This way, if you do end up losing your older specimen, you have a replacement.

These articles will help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/projects/rooting-plant-cuttings.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/how-to-root-cuttings-from-various-shrubs-bushes-and-trees.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/cuttings/root-stimulating-hormone.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/cuttings/honey-root-hormone.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/camellia/caring-for-camellias.htm