Is Verizon FIOS killing trees

[#1]

Since FIOS was installed in my front lawn, anout a year ago, it has killed my 20 year old beautiful Plum tree. Not sure why this is happening. Same thing happened to my opposite neighbor. I have also noticed this with other Plum trees in the area. 

Just curious if any one is experiencing this

[#2]

We have a Fios underground access box in our yard (~ 2x3 feet), right next to a beautiful cherry blossom tree, and the tree is doing just fine.  I believe the box is at least 12" in the ground.

[#3]

Good to know. May be just Plum trees then.

[#4 · Accepted solution]

When FiOS is installed for the first time, they have to run a fiber to the home.  In many areas, it is installed underground using a micro-trenching machine.  It's only a few inches deep.  While it's possible the path of the fiber cut a few surface roots, it's unlikely it damaged enough to hurt the tree.  The fiber itself is glass encased in high strength inert plastic material.  It doesn't harm anything.

In my area we've lots a lot of trees to the invasive ash-borer insect over the last few years.  Is it possible it has infect your area?  Or maybe some type of plum disease?  If it happened around the same time as the FiOS installs, it could just be an unlucky coincidence.  You should contact an arborist to find out what is actually going on with the trees.  Then you can explore the appropriate course of action.