[Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page

[marna57 at cox.net]

85234
marna57 at cox.net

I have a ficus nitida, approx 18 years old, which is planted 3 feet from my home's foundation.  I am concerned about root damage to the foundation and pipes.  I already am aware of a crack in the monolithic slab. (Source of crack is undetermined.) Should the ficus be removed to prevent further damage?  I live on a lake, so there is no access to remove the tree other than manually.  How can it best be removed, if necessary?  If cut back to stump, what chemicals could be safely used to prevent further root growth without damaging the lake water or surrounding plants?  Thank you.