Which trees cause the most drain damage in Kew?
In Kew the usual culprits are large, thirsty, shallow-rooting species — oaks, elms, poplars, liquidambars, willows and some large eucalypts. That said, the species matters less than people expect. What actually determines whether roots get into a drain is the condition of the pipe. A sound, well-sealed line will generally resist roots even with a large tree overhead, while an old earthenware line with open joints will attract roots from a tree several properties away.