Palm tree roots

A while ago a question was asked about this and the replies were that the roots were like a ball, i.e., not spreading a long distance away like most trees such as an ash or a Conifer.
I have a Palm growing well, 14 feet high, 12 feet from the house and am worried as to whether the roots would search for water and undermine the foundations. Any one actually taken one out and can confirm the roots are very compact.
I want to keep the palm, we like it!

 

They are compact and fibrous, not hard and woody, are not extensive, and do not go down very deep - a real 'root ball'. I don't know for certain that all palms are like this, but I am pretty sure our common ones are. I would not worry, enjoy your palm in confidence.

 

I've not tried digging out a large palm, but I have repotted some largish ones.
My idea of the root system would be a mass of thinnish roots going downwards rather than outwards. The roots dont seem to thicken as they age like they do in broadleaved trees.
I have heard that they are not a real problem as far as building foundations are concerned.
Just out of interest, have you noticed how close they plant them to buildings abroad.

 

In good conditions by that I mean plenty available water the roots tend to grow in a ball if they are in dry conditions they will send down long roots to seek water as will most trees

 

I agree palms do not have a big root system, I've seen them being moved in Jamaica, huge ones and they had big round root ball.