How close to the house is too close?

[jctx]

Thanks Gerania. Interesting reading. Is there some way to know for sure how far out towards the house the larger trees roots go outside of digging to view them?

[Gerania]

Something like this: http://www.na.fs.fed.us/Spfo/Pubs/uf...es/p93pic1.gif

That tree is really big and the wall is intact so you're OK for now. Keep an eye on that wall. The tree's root system probably looks like that of a root bound potted plant on that side. Hollies usually hold up well in storms, not one of the first trees to break or fall over, but...will it be more likely to fall because of the abbreviated root system?