Linden trees are very popular in the US as a street/footpath tree. Given the proximity to buildings, underground services, etc., one assumes that this tree is one whose roots do not cause problems. At 8-10 metres from the house, I don't think you have anything to worry about.

I believe a pair of trees, one a Linden and one an Oak, stand guard at the gate of a cottage in some Greek fable and are the enchanted husband and wife, owners of the cottage. Something about a protection or reward for them from the gods and so there is a "thing" about having such a pair on the grounds of an estate... Anyway, there is not a problem in having any tree around a pool or house if you recognize the value of the tree(s) and accept that there are costs associated with having such things to enhance you life. Some folks I've met or know remove all trees as "a messy bother". Others are so smothered in tree canopy that nothing else will grow or flower. Knowing where and what to grow (and when to cut) is purely a personal choice. Manage your land as you see fit. It will be your legacy.

THE OAK TREE AND THE LINDEN
THERE was once a good old couple who lived in a little cottage upon a hilltop. Baucis and Philemon were their names, and, although they were very poor, they tended their bees, and pruned their grape vine, and milked their one cow, and were happy from morning till night. For they loved each other dearly, and they were ready to share whatever they had with any one in need.

At the foot of the hill lay a beautiful village, with pleasant roads, and rich pasture lands all about it; but it was full of wicked, selfish people, who had no love in their hearts, and thought only of themselves.

One evening, as Baucis and Philemon sat in their cottage door, they saw two strangers coming slowly up the hill. There was a great noise of shouting, and the barking of the dogs from the village, for the people were following the strangers, and jeering at them because they were footsore, and ragged, and weary.

"Let us go to meet them," cried old Baucis, "and ask them to share our supper, and stay with us for the night."

So Baucis and Philemon brought the strangers, who were quite faint for food, to their cottage, and they spread before them all that they had, which was very littleÂa half a loaf of brown bread, a tiny bit of honey from their own hives, and a pitcher of milk. The pitcher was only partly full, and when Philemon had filled two bowls for the strangers, there was but a drop left.

The strangers ate as if they had never tasted anything as good, although the supper was exceedingly small.

"More of this delicious milk, Philemon!" cried one of the strangers, and, as Philemon took the pitcher to drain the last drop into the bowl, a wonderful fountain of milk burst forth from the bottom of the pitcher, so that the more she poured the more there remained.

And it was so with the loaf, which stayed always the same size, although the two strangers cut slice after slice, praising Philemon for its sweetness and lightness. The honey grew the color of gold, and sweeter each minute; and the single, tiny bunch of grapes grew to a bunch of such size that the strangers were not able to eat it, and the grapes filled all the cottage with their wonderful fragrance.

"These are strange travelers!" whispered the old [187] couple to each other, "who are able to do such marvelous things."

That night Baucis and Philemon slept upon the floor, that the strangers might have their bed; and in the morning they went to the edge of the hill to see the strangers safely started on their homeward way.

"The villagers are thoughtless and rude," said Baucis. "I hope they may not torment you again, good sirs."

But the strangers smiled, and pointed to the foot of the hill. There was no village there. Where it had stood a blue lake rippled, covering, with its clear waters, the houses and the trees. Baucis and Philemon rubbed their eyes in wonder.

"People with no love in their hearts shall not live upon the...

Dear Mak and Wombat

Thank you! The trees stay. The fable brought me to tears. Of course, you are right that it is simply a matter of managing the property and being prepared to clear up leaves for the compost when the time comes. I look forward to the shade that they will bring on a hot day and to maybe building a seat around the one at the top of my stairs up the hill that my house is on to the garden at the back. I hope I get some of their good fortune. I love the fable and will print out your posting Wombat and hang near the trees.

Kevarose

what a beautiful story wombat I have a long lost memory of it I think, vaguely remember it from when I was a little girl many moons ago, lots to learn from that story for everyone dont you think ? so thank you very ,very much for sharing it with us ,
lorraine

Another great benefit will be a homegrown supply of linden flowers for tea. We have it mostly cold with a sweetener and lemon juice added. It was a traditionional drink to have during hay making in Switzerland where a billy full of it would be kept cool in a nearby creek. As well as being quite delicious, it has medicinal properties as well. If you need help with a recipe, send me a mail.

Wombat what a great story..Spreading the word to the kids now:)

Kevarose, I'm not too sure of their root growth but I know the size Lindens get as my neighbour has a glorious one about 20m from their house. It stands about the same height. Also as you are a rose buff, if you look up Susan Irvines book 'The Garden at Forest Hall' on Page 174 you will see the 'massive' size they can get to. They are gorgeous but monsters and I don't know how two would go so very close together.Just for your info although I'm sure by now you've done plenty or research..

Cheers

Garry

boobookhill - yes the man who built this house and planted them is European and told me about the flowers and tea - I look forward to them.

I had "kindof" decided to move one GarryK and your advice reinforces that. I can move one in winter further back about 50 metres where it can be appreciated from a distance and also and let it provide shade for my horses.

One that is closest to the pool (that is now in) will be glorious as it might in time provide lovely shade in the deep end - it would be about 9 metres from the pool and the house. All I can do is hope that the roots behave and there is a lot of water drainage here on this slope so it doesn't have to seek it out.

I have a Gloire de Dijon and thought of moving it to let it climb up the remaining linden - what do you think? - anyone but GarryK in particular as you are a rose expert.

Kevarose,

Not too many experts in these forums I don't believe, just hopefuls. lol..Anyway I've never tried Glorie de Dijon due to many comments about it not being too reliable. Blackspot prone and blooms hard to gather unless in a well tended glasshouse. I've only noted this on the net and have not personally seen it grown so can't really comment more than that. I've preferred to grow Jaune Desprez in it's place as they are similar in colour and growth however I wouldn't even bother trying a rose in a Linden as they are too big that I have seen and would eventually overpower the rose. But you never do really know until you try:) (Say's me trying to grow a Bloomfield Courage up a very large established Elder tree...)

regards

Garry

Thanks Garry
I will add a Jaune Deprez to my rose order as I have always wanted that as well. I will try Gloire Dijon somewhere less vigorous than a linden to hitch her to. Waiting for a few colder days to get in a person with a bob cat to move the other linden (and move a few other trees). Maybe I will try a Mermaid (excessively thorny and vigorous rose) up the other Linden that gets moved well away from people. That would be interesting to watch them compete.

Hello, Does anyone know where I could find a linden trees to plant in my yard thats for sale around south of syd. Your help would be much apprecaitted.