Do Old Tree Roots Continue To Grow

Question From: Belleville, Michigan, United States
Q: Loved your article about trees. Do trees that are over 50 yrs old still lengthen their roots? I have a big maple in my front yard and one of its large roots is breaking the lawn surface and it looks like the rest of it is headed for the house...toward my basement wall.

A: They are looking for water. Some die and others replace them. Depends on how close the tree is to your foundation and were your sewer lines run. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy