From what I gather they don't get too aggressive in rooting these out though just owing to the fact that making you remove it would eliminate much needed housing and force a resident to have to move out (at your cost).  

Housing prices shot up, and it the last 2 years, duplexes in our area went up $100K each year.This year we all went to the dentist, all 4 of us, and we need root canals, crowns, and even though with dental insurance, our co-pay is considerable.

Welcome to BP @Michael Root

I went to RP Connor so my Suffern roots run deep!

I am rooting for these guys to pull off some refinancings within the next year to boost returns.

I have roots in Augusta, although growing up, my family spent time split between NC and VA during my father's military career. 

Not only are they fairly messy, but they have a shallow and aggressive root system that can cause expensive problems.

My guess would be he doesn't want roots penetrating foundations, plumbing, etc. 

I agree with everything you wrote about the financial situation in Cali, yes we all hear how much easier it is in Texas, for example. and I still miss the days when we lived in Florida, and did not pay income tax. ...The point is, and if you think you will have a fair chance of being equally happy, in another state, I would give it a serious thought. but do not leave a place that you have roots in , and you love, just because it is harder. difficaulties can take many forms.

Computer Engineer here, for me it's because I do like numbers, efficiency and have a knack to fix things through Root Cause Analysis.