Hedge roots

janet.teece19XTkSgNbI · July 2023

My neighbour wants to dig up our boundary hedge which is a mixture of box, privet, and pyracantha. He wants to put in a new hedge of one variety. Whilst I would like a new hedge I am concerned about the roots which will be around 45 years old. My foundations cover over a third of the hedge and are less than a metre from the hedges. Will the root system be under our property so that they crack the outside walls as they die off?

philippasmith2 · July 2023

I think the first question would be whether the current hedge is shared by both properties ? If a shared boundary, why does your neighbour want to remove the hedge and what does he want to replace it with ? Do you agree to the removal and his choice of replacement ?
I don't think that roots of the 3 plants you mention will be a problem for foundations but perhaps your neighbour can tell you whether he intends to just cut down or whether he intends to go further and remove/kill any trace of the current hedge before re planting ?

nick615 · July 2023

A good start from Philippa, but I feel a quiet word with your local council would be a wise precaution to check there are no local by-laws governing such matters. If the neighbour has only recently arrived on the scene, can you trust him? Are there any privacy issues that he might want to violate once the hedge is 'his', if only morally? The main thing is to prevent bad feeling creeping in, but such matters CAN erupt if not handled carefully and tactfully.

janet.teece19XTkSgNbI · July 2023

It is the neighbours boundary hedge and he wants to dig up and destroy the current hedge. He intends planting a brand new hedge of one variety

Fairygirl · July 2023

The original plants would pose o problem for a nearby building, unless there was something seriously wrong with the foundations and soil.
However, it would be helpful for you if you knew what the neighbour intended replacing the hedging with. The proximity of your property is an important factor.

philippasmith2 · July 2023

janet.teece19XTkSgNbI said:

It is the neighbours boundary hedge and he wants to dig up and destroy the current hedge. He intends planting a brand new hedge of one variety

In that case, you don't have a choice. If the current hedge is entirely within your neighbour's garden and none of the work involves encroaching on your property, you will have to hope that he plants something suitable.
Do you know what he intends to plant ? Is he aware that you may need to prune anything back which grows over the boundary line ? May pay you to mark your boundary - even temporarily - so no misunderstanding exists.
If you have a friendly relationship with your neighbour, then the best advice would be to have a chat with him , voice any concerns you have and go on from there. Good luck

janet.teece19XTkSgNbI · July 2023

Thanks everyone. We have spoken and I'm happy with the new hedge. My only concern are the roots. Hence my query. Where do you advise I get expert advice? Thanks 👍

Fairygirl · July 2023

Just tell us what the new hedging plant is

janet.teece19XTkSgNbI · July 2023

Box and privet. Pyracantha is the third part but is not close to the house.

Fairygirl · July 2023

I don't understand.. I thought that was the old/existing hedge ?

philippasmith2 · July 2023

Not sure I understand either.........I thought neighbour was planting a single species hedge ? If he is simply replacing with the same species, presumably there was some disease problem with the original ones otherwise why cut down and replant ?
I think some clarification is in order if you want advice

Hedge roots

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