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Tree roots

angooddenisangooddenis Posts: 2
in Problem solving
I have a large cherry tree about 5 yards from my boundary and its roots are extending all over cracking parents outside my garden and extending into my garden. They are shooting up in the lawn and lifting my block paving. If I treat them with chemicals will I be liable if the tree dies. To be honest the neighbours are as fed up with the tree as I am as we have real mess four times a year. They say the roots won't damage the house but they have passed into the back garden so have gone under the wall. Been in touch with local council as tree is their responsibility but still await response. Pulled about seven roots out of lawn but one is inches thick and will take some shifting. Too old to be doing strenuous digging, any advice welcome. Thanks.

Posts

  • angooddenisangooddenis Posts: 2
    Should read paths, predictive text.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    You wouldn't be liable for damage if you use a weed killer on your own property to try and deal with them. However, I think it'll be difficult to make much impact. If you used a stronger type which is for using on difficult tree stumps etc, it may travel far enough to damage the tree, but you could probably claim ignorance. Again, that seems unlikely if it's that distance from your property. 
    Some cherries do produce a lot of suckers, and as they tend to be near the surface,  it can certainly be problematic. I expect all you can do is to keep on at the council - getting the other neighbours to chip in would be a good idea. If nothing else, the weight of numbers might be enough to get some action. 

    Sorry if that isn't very helpful. Someone else might know of another way of getting some help though.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    As per @Fairygirl - if the tree is not on your property but is invading your garden and damaging paving, you can destroy the suckers as you see fit and cannot be held liable.
    Obviously you know the "owner" - ie your local council - and it is always best to approach the owner to discuss the problems.  As you have done that and presumably kept a record of your enquiry/complaint, it is up to you how long you wish to wait for their response.
    Many Councils are way behind in dealing with various queries these days so if it isn't too much trouble, make the enquiry again and see what happens. If you bombard them often enough, they may just get T'eed off enough to discuss the problem with you and your neighbour and offer some sort of resolution.
    Good luck  :)
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