On Jul 9, 10:05?pm, Bill C. wrote:
There is a city tree, an American Elm, that has a diameter of about
4'. It is a source of sewer backups, the roots get into the pipes.
This tree is on the tree belt and between two houses. I don't really
care for all the extra trouble because of the tree but don't want to
see it destroyed. Today a neighbor told me that he had poured copper
sulfate around the base of the tree. I understand that this is
poisonous to the tree roots.

Can this really kill a large tree?, it's about 80 ft tall with a
spread of at least 50'. Is there something I can do to neutralize the
copper sulfate? If the copper sulfate does harm the tree what should
I look for and what kind of timetable?

Is there something that I can put around the tree that will absorb the
copper sulfate if the neighbor adds more?

The tree is in MA and I think that this is not legal. Any ideas on
how to best proceed to first save the tree and second stop this nut?

tree will likely die.........

call authorties and report that jerk copper sulphate is very hazardous
and the chemical could poision a child who plays in the contamination.

sadly copper sulphate isnt necessary.

just pour common ROCK SALT mixed in water on a regular basis down the
drain lines this tree is using as a water source.

like 25 pound bag 3 or 4 times a year.

kills the roots in water nearly instantly, doesnt harm the tree at
all.

i have been doing this for over 10 years here rather than replace the
sewer line.

cheap easy quick. softener salt can be used rather than rock salt if
you want.

of course another solution is have the sewer snaked and cleaned well,
then they install a liner like a sock sealing the inside of the line
so the roots cant get in anymore.

if its truly a elm thats so sad since most were killed by elm disease
years ago.

call the authorties immediately the soil contaminated should be
removed and handled as hazardous waste..............

what a jerk