Invading Tree Threatens Home's Foundation - Philadelphia News, Weather and Sports from WTXF FOX 29

Philadelphia's Dept. of Licenses & Inspections will re-inspect a Kensington rowhome after Fox29's report on a tree from a vacant lot next door that appears to be undermining the home's foundation.

"I call it a time bomb," says Anthony Major, as he surveys the cracked foundation wall in the home he shares with his mother. 

"It's going to fall out and it's going to hit this gas pipe," that runs along the ceiling near the wall.

Major is sure the roots of the tree are pushing the foundation out of plumb.

The tree- measuring more than 11 feet around, near the base- was left behind when the vacant home next door was demolished years ago.

In at least one place, you can see sunlight through a crack in the foundation wall.

"It just keeps growing and growing and growing, " says Lois Major.

She's lived here 22-years, and began complaining to the city about the tree 15-years ago.

Inspectors come out, she says, but "They will not go in the basement, where all the trouble is."

Her fear?  

"That the house is going to collapse, because the foundation is compromised."

The city says it cited the owner of the vacant lot next door in 2011, but he never responded and the city has no record of further complaints.

Now, based on our inquires, they will re-inspect to see what can be done about the troublesome tree.

Lois will be waiting- and worrying.

While The Major's- mother and son- wait...and worry.

"The tree looks like it's trying to come in the house!" 

In a way, it is.