Planting a fruit tree or vegetables 2+ meters from an 1972 house, safe?

Discussion in 'Planting, growing, nurturing Plants' started by beginnergardener, May 24, 2017.

  1. beginnergardener

    beginnergardener Junior Member

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    Is it safe to plant a fruit tree at about 2.1 metres from and vegetables about 3 metres from a 1972 house with whatever ddts or whatever they used back then in construction. Although there is no way to tell whether any other chemicals were used at any later date as well.

    How long would anything persist in the ground? It's a very rocky bedrock type ground.
     
  2. songbird

    songbird Senior Member

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    i wouldn't want a fruit tree that close to a house for many
    reasons besides worry about DDT or other contamination.

    it can be pretty messy and roots may invade your drains/basement
    (if you have any/one). also attracts wildlife, do you want critters/birds
    that close to the house?
     
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  3. beginnergardener

    beginnergardener Junior Member

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    Ok there was a spot I was thinking of putting one but maybe your right I might have to put it further away. Would a dwarf tree be ok there do you think?

    What about vegetables though about 3 metres from the house at the closest point?
     
  4. songbird

    songbird Senior Member

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    if you are worried about contamination remove the soil and
    replace it. if the area is small enough that is easiest and
    then you know what you are using.

    i've never seen any DDT used during construction of a house.
    i live in the north.

    are you worried about termite treatments?
    if so, they are best left undisturbed for good reasons
    you want to keep the termites away from the house...

    for that reason i would also avoid any plantings near the
    house.
     
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