Foundation

[AJH]

I'm in the planning stage of a pizza oven and the place that I want to build it is next to a huge 50+ foot pine tree with lots of surface roots so I won't be able to dig down for a foundation. It's also right up against the 6 foot privacy fence, so if I pour a slab that I stand on to work, I'll be towering over the fence. I could possibly pour it so that I stand on the gravel that's around the tree, but then the blocks will be too close to the edge and might crack the foundation... I also worry about the roots/frost heaving the slab out of level once it's built. Anyone have similar issues that they dealt with or want to give me some advice on best solution?

[Pizzarotic]

Most people wouldn't pour a slab over live tree roots. I can't imagine that would end well.
Maybe build a taller fence?

[NCMan]

I also would consider finding a different location for the oven, if possible. Not a good idea to pour over the roots. I've lived and worked around a lot of pine trees and they are weak, lose limbs and needles, as well as tend to fall over in wind and ice events. Even had a large one fall on our house years ago. Years later, when we moved, I made sure every single one of them was taken out. The only other option I can think of, is having the tree taken out and have the stump/roots ground out.

[AJH]

So, the place that I have sort of picked out for the oven is about 10-12 feet from the canopy. I should be able to dig down for a foundation and cut any roots in the area without harming the tree too much. I also want to put a prep/workstation area that gets right up to the canopy, but think that area doesn't really need a foundation. I could possibly dry stack the blocks and fill cores but I will probably just use folding tables till I decide if I really need a permanent solution. Cleaning the sap and pine needles off the table will get annoying so may rethink that part of the design.

Thanks for the insight.

[AJH]

The pizza oven location will be where the wood/metal garden box is sitting. If I build a prep station, it would follow the fence towards the tree but not get under the branches.

[Pizzarotic]

Should be fine then. I don't see any issues that far away the tree, especially a pine tree. Any roots at the surface that far from the trunk shouldn't be substantial.