Tree
roots, especially those
trees with a prominent tap
root (oak, hickory, osage orange, maple,
ash, mulberry, etc. all will have roots that seek out water and those roots will infiltrate microscopic cracks and then open those cracks as the roots grow.
Away from humans, this is not a problem, the trees are seeking ground water and that is usually the only water available.
In a populated area where the trees are planted close to
underground water pipes and sewer pipes, the natural root action can be quite a bother since a pipe filled with roots doesn't allow water to flow very well, not to mention what happens when the pipe cracks
enough for rocks and soil to fall in.
When you say water hydrant are you talking about a fire hydrant? or a normal water main connection for houses?
Fire hydrants are usually connected with
cast iron or steel pipes which are more resistant to infiltration than the old style clay pipes because the connecting joints of steel and iron pipes are bolted together with flanges rather than just some tar like substance acting as the sealant.
Still, it is never a good idea to plant a tree closer than 20 feet to any water carrying pipe, even a shrub can send roots into those pipes seeking a water source.
Redhawk