By GARY CHURCH

nclocal@ncnewsonline.com

I almost have replaced every shrub and tree that was here when I bought my house.

I have heard that the previous owner bought the plants from a fund-raiser. Since he was a finance man instead of a landscaper, he was not aware of what he was getting, only that they were cheap. It was probably one of those “10 instant beauty plants for 99 cents!”

 That’s why I have a silver maple (Acer saccharinum) growing in my back yard. Silver maples are usually purchased because they are inexpensive and fast growing. They are not a bad-looking tree, but they do have their problems, which are becoming mine.

Let’s start with the root system. I always thought a good place for roots was underground. This tree doesn’t agree with me. They are close to the surface and are popping out of the ground causing havoc when I mow. I am watching the root from hell as it is creeping closer and closer to my home. It is now 30 feet from the trunk. It’s just a matter of time until it’s in the kitchen and creeping onto my cereal.

Perhaps someone planted a silver maple by your sidewalk or sewer system. This is not good because the root system will destroy both.

What can you do about these roots?

Nothing.

It is not suggested you put soil over them, you might smother the tree. Also, pruning the roots is not good for it either. If you kill the tree, you might have to shell out a grand to have it removed. It took 40 years for this to become a problem, so I wouldn’t worry about it if the undertakers get a wide smile when you enter the room.

Because grass won’t grow under the tree, all you can do is cover the area with mulch and put a few impatiens filled containers on it for color.

Another popular name for the silver maple is “the car crusher.”

Because the tree grows so fast, the limbs are weak and may blow down during a wind storm. If you have good car insurance and are tired of the thing, the silver maple may come in handy.