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Planting cypress totem.

RobmarstonRobmarston Posts: 338
in Plants
How close to an underground pipe would it be safe to plant a cypress totem? I’ve heard conflicting information but would like to check before putting it in. Generally I hear that it’s quite safe. 

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  • RobmarstonRobmarston Posts: 338
    Bumping up in hope. Please forgive. 
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    I don't know the answer, but I came across this extract

    Like most cypress trees, Italian cypress trees are anchored by a fibrous root system. Fibrous roots branch out relatively evenly through the soil, creating a matting network in the top layer of soil. For mature Italian cypress trees, the roots can go down several feet, depending on the structure of the soil or the size of the container. Fibrous roots don’t anchor as well as tap roots, but the pencil-like upper structure of the Italian cypress tree keeps it from capturing too much wind in storms, putting less stress on the root system.

    • Like most cypress trees, Italian cypress trees are anchored by a fibrous root system.
    • For mature Italian cypress trees, the roots can go down several feet, depending on the structure of the soil or the size of the container.

    From this website
    https://www.gardenguides.com/130965-italian-cypress-tree-root-structure.html

    Based on that, I don't think there would be a problem unless the pipe is already cracked.
    They are very beautiful trees - good luck


    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    edited July 2020
    If you want to be cautious, you can dig a trench to expose the pipe, drop in a tough rubber/butyl membrane into the trench, pack around the pipe with stone chippings, and then wrap the membrane over the top ensuring a good overlap. But perhaps not necessary if the pipe is in good good nick.
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • RobmarstonRobmarston Posts: 338
    Thanks for that. The impression I had was that they were safe to plant, but as it will be close to the pipe, I wanted to be sure. I’ll plant it about a meter away just to be careful. 
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    That makes sense. If for any reason you need to access the pipe you won't have to dig up the cypress.
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
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