Will the tree die if i put a pool next to it?

Question

We are going to put a pool between some oak trees. In order to do that i guess we have to even the ground by digging 13 inches. If there are 4 evergreens surrounding our pool with about 3 ft. apart from eachother will the oak trees die?

Also, what is the heating bill for a 24 x 24 pool?

Answer 1

If you are carefull in your digging the trees should be ok.  However if you damage a lot of the root system the trees could die.

Answer 2

If you are going to put in an above ground pool and only dig down 13", you shouldn't do that much damage to the Oak tree roots so they shouldn't die. You will have a major problem with cleaning the pool as the leaves drop. I really can't say about the heating bill as I don't have a pool, I'm just a botanist.

Answer 3

not only will it damage the tree if you cut into its roots, but you also run the risk of the roots growing into, or under your liner and ruining the pool. i would pick a different spot for the pool, even if you decide to cut down the trees the roots will still be there and growing for awhile to come yet. I also would not recommend planting evergreens that close to the pool.

As for the heating bill. for an above ground pool i wouldn't think you would need a big heater. you can get a solar heating panel for about $200, and with no upkeep:) as opposed to the $4000 price for a heater+gas or electricity every month. The price will vary with your area and the type of heater you buy and the size.

While i don't know the actual price i have heard my husbands uncle complain that it was too high and he has starting turning off his heater.  

i have a 24' pool and i don't use a heater of any kind, not even a solar cover. the water stays around 80 to 86 degrees depending on the temp outside. So unless you plan to keep the pool open year round.....

http://www.poolsupplies.com/heating/pete...

Answer 4

Trees have very large and complex root systems, and simply digging the pool could kill the tree because you could cut off a whole section of the roots.  When the roots grow, they may stress and crack the concrete, spilling toxic (to plants) chlorine water into the ground.  I would just have one tree taken out or something.  

The heating bill would vary depending on the season and the clmate, but here's a website with some information that might help.  

http://www.fpl.com/residential/savings/e...

Answer 5

Like everyone else has said you can cause damage to the root system by digging around the trees.  As a general rule of thumb, the main tree roots usually don't extend much further than the branches so if you don't dig directly below the foliage the trees should be fine.  And planting evergreens near the oaks should bother them either, after all they grow like that in nature.