What's in your garden?

[tvguy]

They're hell on septic systems, drainage lines and pipes, too. The city of Medford (among many municipalities) doesn't want people planting them either.

Yeah I know, at least I've heard that from a lot of people, more so about willows. I have poplar trees growing all around my well.They were there when I moved here. Within 10 feet there are two very tall ones. I've never had a problem.
I don't have a septic, I have city sewer and as long as the pipe is glued properly there's no way roots can grow in to them.

Willows, cottonwoods, aspens, and poplars are all in the Salicaceae family, and have similar roots. Their roots are actually capable of traveling some blocks away, under the right conditions. Another problem they cause is breaking sidewalks, pavement, and even foundations.

A googeler eh? Well the thing is Ponder that their roots like damn near any trees go where the water is. My house and shop and utility room are built on concrete slab foundations.
Theres no water under there in the summer so I've never has a problem. I actually have one tree growing about two feet away from my shop. It was a baby, like 3 feet tall in 1996 and now its huge. I always thought I would keep an eye on the slab and cut the tree down if need be. So far I don't have to.

The grand daddy poplar of all on my property that was big when I moved here is 6 feet away from my utility room and It's never hurt anything either. It's 11 feet around at the base.
I think maybe MY trees like me