After reading this site, I've learned that trees near a dam is no good at all. Well I have a newly constructed pond (finished around the first of this year) and there are trees all around it, many Eastern Red Cedars and some other hard woods. What should I do?

If it's newly constructed, then there aren't currently trees on the dam? I would just watch, and mow the dam regularly to prevent trees from getting a start.

Correct none directly on the dam. There are several along the dam's base... Not a concern?

Depends on the size of the dam and the size and type of tree I suppose, but if it were me, I would probably leave them. Did your dam builder have any input on leaving them there during construction, or could you voice your concerns to them now, by way of insurance if something were to go wrong? I have a couple dams with trees at the bottom, and I don't worry about them.

There are some pretty large Eastern Red Cedars there. The dam is rather large I think. It's about 15 to 20 ft wide.

The contractor didn't say anything about it. He also didn't tell me I need to plant grass on the dam, but I guess he figured I should know that because it's pretty much common sense (though it didn't occur to me until reading here).

I highly doubt he'll offer any form of warranty. He got his money so he's done.

Griff if you can be a bit more specific and it will help.

1.) You state your dam is 15-20 feet wide? Is that at the top or the bottom of the damn? A 15 foot wide dam 24' tall could be 160-180 feet wide at the base?
2.) You say at the base of the dam. Are they on the water side of the dam or downstream on the backside?
3.) What is the distance from the base of the dam to the nearest tree?

sorry double post.

1.) The base of the dam is about 15 to 20 ft. The top is about 5 or so ft.

2.) The trees are not on the water side of the dam. They are outside of the pond.

3.) There are several trees within 5 feet or so of the base of the dam.

I don't live on the land and so don't get to see it often and am going form memory here. I'm also not a good judge of distance. So my numbers may be way off.

Griff,

FWIW I would not let a tree anywhere near that dam.

Bill D.

So since the dam is new would it be okay to go ahead and remove the trees?

And how far around the dam should I clear?

Far enough to where the roots can't penetrate the core and cause problems. I have mine back about 75-100' from base of dam but nothing carved in stone. Just don't want big roots in dam

With the dam being new, it would be a good idea if the trees where removed. It makes me wonder if the roots of the existing trees where when the core was dug.