Trees tend to stick to a prescribed root pattern and, while some have deep tap roots, others will always produce shallow root systems. The 2ft trench will tell you which you're dealing with.
Plastic isn't a poison as such and is only damaging when it forms micro pieces and is absorbed by marine creatures. Even then it won't really hurt you but, when you think of all the planters that use plastic sacks for veg so that the compost/soil doesn't fall out of the bottom, there's no risk and half the country's strawberries are grown in growbags, again without risk. Don't worry!
Sorry, Fire, I beg to differ on the choking but, in my experience, trees covered in ivy are usually the first to blow over in a gale, possibly because the added ivy foliage offers extra wind resistance, but I've also found deep indentations in ivy clad wood when sawing it into logs.
Thank you @nick615 for the reply- glad to know the plastic isn't that big of a problem then!
Thank you too @Fire just doing container gardening for now until we dig up all the roots, maybe next year.
We started on the trench, just wished to ask your opinions on the root we found, it's rather a monstrous piece. I could try hacking it off (seems like we might need a more heavy duty tool though), but I am slightly concerned about killing the tree.
This tree is really, really big, and if it were ever to fall, it could do a lot of damage, which is why I am slightly wary about experimenting with such a central root (though it starts on our border, and I suspect is the main way it spread into the entire garden).
To me, the neighbourly thing to do would be to have a chat to the neighbour, put your concerns to them and invite them round to see the size of the problem. It's certainly a whopper and suggests the tree is one of those varieties that spreads its roots near the surface, as opposed to going straight down as a tap root. The danger to that is if they aren't prepared to do anything about it, thus leading to a stand off but, if you voice your desire NOT to get into that situation when you first get in touch, hopefully they'll be more amenable.
As a precaution, I'd advise you to put everything in writing in case you should ever need to refer back to what's gone before. However, with the law on your side, but again after putting it in writing, you should advise them that, to obtain full use of your ground, you intend to cut the root(s) on date 'x'. Five minutes with a chain saw will then see the root cut and, if the tree falls over, it won't be your fault. Any damage will be their responsibility to make good but the overriding hope is that the whole affair can be done amicably. All the best with it.
Hello @nick615- sorry for the late reply, have been debating on it for a few weeks actually, thank you for your advice, really sensible and very welcome at present.
A mixed option could be to top the tree (say remove everything above 3-4 meters) and leave the ivy. This will leave the habitat for wildlife, reduce both the risk and impact of a fall greatly, and would allow you to sever the root. Perhaps a good option to throw in the mix with the neighbours?
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Trees tend to stick to a prescribed root pattern and, while some have deep tap roots, others will always produce shallow root systems. The 2ft trench will tell you which you're dealing with.
Plastic isn't a poison as such and is only damaging when it forms micro pieces and is absorbed by marine creatures. Even then it won't really hurt you but, when you think of all the planters that use plastic sacks for veg so that the compost/soil doesn't fall out of the bottom, there's no risk and half the country's strawberries are grown in growbags, again without risk. Don't worry!
Thank you too @Fire just doing container gardening for now until we dig up all the roots, maybe next year.
We started on the trench, just wished to ask your opinions on the root we found, it's rather a monstrous piece. I could try hacking it off (seems like we might need a more heavy duty tool though), but I am slightly concerned about killing the tree.
This tree is really, really big, and if it were ever to fall, it could do a lot of damage, which is why I am slightly wary about experimenting with such a central root (though it starts on our border, and I suspect is the main way it spread into the entire garden).
Do look and let me know your thoughts- thanks!
To me, the neighbourly thing to do would be to have a chat to the neighbour, put your concerns to them and invite them round to see the size of the problem. It's certainly a whopper and suggests the tree is one of those varieties that spreads its roots near the surface, as opposed to going straight down as a tap root. The danger to that is if they aren't prepared to do anything about it, thus leading to a stand off but, if you voice your desire NOT to get into that situation when you first get in touch, hopefully they'll be more amenable.
As a precaution, I'd advise you to put everything in writing in case you should ever need to refer back to what's gone before. However, with the law on your side, but again after putting it in writing, you should advise them that, to obtain full use of your ground, you intend to cut the root(s) on date 'x'. Five minutes with a chain saw will then see the root cut and, if the tree falls over, it won't be your fault. Any damage will be their responsibility to make good but the overriding hope is that the whole affair can be done amicably. All the best with it.