Originally Posted By: Dave Davidson1
Know nothing about poplars, but: If the roots die/rot it can and will leave a void that generally weakens the dam.


Mike Otto - premier pond builder on the planet says if under 4" - remove trees. Dave I advise pond sealing clients of mine the same...not unlike a hydrated cork on a good bottle of red wine, live roots help create a seal, but when decomposing will create a void which can lead to fissures/leaks. I always advise my pond sealing clients to leave trees over 4" alone as a result.

Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after. ~ Henry David Thoreau

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