What is this tree?

[u/stickykey_board]

This wanderer blew into my flower bed after a storm last year. It was growing so good, I haven’t had the heart to tear it out. I’m in Ft Worth, Texas, USA.

[u/theabeste]

Willow?

[u/whatever1966]

Willow

[u/SkummyJ]

Willow. You don't want that anywhere near your house. It will find your sewer line and tap it.

[u/SmitedDirtyBird → u/SkummyJ]

That’s not entirely true, and I’m a bit concerned to see this on this sub. Tree related damage to pipes are almost always because the pipe was cracked/leaking already and the tree took advantage of the situation and made it worse. Same with foundations. Most roots aren’t strong enough to bust intact pvc/metal/concrete, and if there’s no available water, they have no reason to

[u/BooRadley_ThereHeIs → u/SmitedDirtyBird]

I'm no genius, but I'd prefer situations to not be made worse. :D

[u/stickykey_board → u/SkummyJ]

Anything I should consider while removing it?

[u/Benblishem → u/stickykey_board]

Consider cleaning your keyboard.

[u/stickykey_board → u/Benblishem]

Ha! Noted! I’ll add it to the list of other shit I’ll never get around to.

[u/SkummyJ → u/stickykey_board]

Chop it down and spray the stump with triclopyr/brush killer so it doesn't come back.

You really don't want any tree that close to your foundation, let alone willows. I've heard their roots can travel very far looking for water.

[u/stickykey_board → u/SkummyJ]

Good to know. Would that chemical inhibit growth of anything else in its place?

[u/Txyvxn → u/SkummyJ]

If its that close, it may have already tapped into the water lines. This would mean somebody might have to saw it out from inside the pipe. Also idk if you want the possibility of triclopyr pumped directly into your water lines via tree roots. I would get a pickaxe to gently unearth the roots or dump some agricultural vinegar (30% acetic acid). You can then react out the acetic acid with lime to prepare a new garden bed.

[u/BooRadley_ThereHeIs → u/Txyvxn]

This dude drinks sewer water.

[u/Icy-Gas8490 → u/SkummyJ]

There’s 2 types of willow, tree and shrub. Tree willow roots can cause issues near buildings due to roots shrub are fine as their root system is a mat just under the surface of the soil. Not sure what this one is thought from the picture.

[u/stickykey_board → u/Icy-Gas8490]

Thanks for your reply. This initially had branches all the way down the trunk and I skirted it because I thought it looked nicer than a big bush. Shoots up lots of suckers from the base. Not sure if any of that helps someone determine if it’s a willow shrub or tree.

[u/Icy-Gas8490 → u/stickykey_board]

Have you tried one of the identification apps such as ObsIdentify? It’s really simple to use, just take a picture and load it in. It’s great for recording other wildlife you see in the garden and elsewhere as well. I am building a species list for my garden of plants and animals and am over 130 since last summer. Good luck!

[u/hans99hans → u/SkummyJ]

Came to say this. Will absolutely destroy your sewer lines

[u/chaosambassador]

Willow. They grow fast and break apart easy. They’re beautiful but can be a headache once they get bigger.

[u/DanoPinyon]

[u/Strangewhine88]

Way too close to your home’s foundation. Willow seeking water.