Well, it's not optimal, but citrus roots tend to grow laterally, and are not trees that send down deep tap roots for the most part. Instead, then grow laterally and more superficially. Is the tree on semi-dwarf rootstock or standard rootstock? Semi-dwarf will have less significant root structure. I wouldn't worry about the roots, more worry about the pipe :-)

Patty S.

Thanks for the reply. I think it's semi dwarf--if not, I bought several and probably one is.

I guess I'm more concerned about the pipe than the tree--if the pipe has to be replaced of course, so will the tree...

I think your last statement tells you what to do.. move it.
I would move it only because, one day I might have to replace the pipe the the tree would suffer a lot for that.

FYI.. for most citrus, the older they get, the less they like being moved.

Thanks. I moved my hole a bit. They're still a little cozier than I would like but it's very important to have my citrus trees!

Remember, too, that as your citrus ages, the roots will get a lot larger and bulkier. The older a root is, the bigger it gets as it puts on 'weight' (wood). The newest roots are the very small and fragile ones; and they travel farther and farther away from the trees as time goes by; shallow but widespread.

So, it is not a wise idea to install a woody plant in the same hole (or near by) as pipes. At some point in time, somethings gotta give, and it won't be the tree.