Huge Saguaros leaning over and brown towards bottom - Help?

[liz451]

Originally Posted by wit-nit

How far away from the saguaro is the lawn and the nearest sprinkler system. How long has the lawn been established. When was the saguaro planted.

The saguaros are 6-8 feet from the lawn. Unfortunately I have no knowledge of how long the lawn has been established or when the saguaros were planted since we just bought the house. I do know both were there when the previous owners bought the house in the early 2000's, but that's it.

[wit-nit]

That's quite close for a saguaro of that size. Keep an eye on it for unusual changes in it's growth pattern, like swelling up too quick, continuous leaning, or brown/black goo oozing out of it.
Saguaros in their natural habitat their roots can grow out to a 100' ft or more, near the surface. Transplants have their roots taken off or trimmed close to the trunk and when they are re-established they grow a multitude of smaller roots closer to the trunk. I'd recommend the water source be at least 10' ft away or more. A plant that size is valued at several thousand dollars and you'd sure want it to live a long life.