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Hornbeam hedge - hidden concrete path discovered

IHateWeedingIHateWeeding Posts: 49
in Problem solving
Have ordered 40/60cm bare root hornbeam plants.

Soil is a bit claylike.  Just finished cultivating the site only to find that there is (what I assume to be) a buried concrete path along the final bit of the planting area (final 3 to 4 meters).  I have not noticed much pooling of water no more than one would expect with clay so drainage seems OK.

The path was 25 cm + below the surface more now the soil has been dug over. 

Short of digging out and breaking up concrete have I other options?

Posts

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Not really.  Hornbeam will need more than 25cm/10 inches to get its roots down so either stop the hedge early or get the sledge hammer and pick axe out.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • jonathan.colejonathan.cole Posts: 221
    Before trying to break up the concrete do check it is path and not there to protect drains, electrical cables etc.
  • IHateWeedingIHateWeeding Posts: 49
    jonathan.cole said:
    Before trying to break up the concrete do check it is path and not there to protect drains, electrical cables etc.

    Thanks for the insight, how would I check this jonathan?
  • jonathan.colejonathan.cole Posts: 221
    First would be to just look around and see where cables / manhole covers are that are visible. Do you know the route of your own drain and can confirm it goes somewhere else?

    I believe you may be able to get free utility maps as well through the providers. Might be worth a Google about if you are worried.
  • IHateWeedingIHateWeeding Posts: 49
    The drains don't run that way so that's OK.

    I can see the stop cock cover in the road nearby and I think the electrics/gas line might be in that area as it's around that side of the house.
  • IHateWeedingIHateWeeding Posts: 49
    edited March 2021
    Have uncovered the area and taken some pics. 

    Have also checked house docs searches doesn't show much of anything. 



     
  • PianoplayerPianoplayer Posts: 624
    It must be very frustrating to have your plans scuppered. It does look old, but is at a funny angle for a path. It could be a remnant of something that was there before the houses. Your utilities companies might be able to help - they generally charge commercial outfits for map searches but as you are a householder, they might give you info for free. Otherwise, you could just take a chance and do some test digging and pickaxing at the edge to see how deep it goes. Good luck with it.
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