I appreciated the technician that conducted the onsite measurements. He was professional, courteous and knowledgeable. I specifically stated to the technician that I had made the request (upon my initial call to the office) that I wanted to know what I might expect from either leaving an existing mature tree in place or having it removed - in terms of likely impact to the foundation. We discussed this at length and both he and I noted that a tree barrier - in this particular situation - would most likely result in the death of the tree. Hence, I expected the report to state what would most likely happen as the tree continued to mature - as well as an explanation regarding what would most likely occur should I remove the tree.
The final report was clear, concise and logical. However, it did not directly answer this primary question of mine. At this point, I am left to assume that TEC's recommendation of a tree barrier is essentially a statement that cutting down the tree is the recommended action for it results in the death of the tree roots that extend underneath the southern portion of the house's foundation.
What the report does not state is what are the likely impacts on the foundation once the tree barrier is installed. As previously noted, the severed tree roots would no longer draw water that would otherwise maintain soil moisture. This most likely will result in no more contraction of the soil due to it being dried out by the tree roots. In my view, this might provide some relief to the depressed elevation of the foundation in the southern portion of the foundation since it would seem that the roots run underneath this area (area depressed in relation to the northern portion of the foundation.
Can someone provide clarity to me regarding this matter. A call is even fine. I simply want to understand the situation from an engineer's perspective.
