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Boxed bed around tree

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  • kqcnxyfpsrH1kzw_2JkqcnxyfpsrH1kzw_2J Posts: 3
    Hello all
    i moved into a new house last year which has a large oak tree in the garden (which has a TPO) and this boxed bed around the base. Apart from the fact that the wood base is rotting and falling apart, I have seen little mice running around it and creating their little tunnels and burrows. Is there any reason why I cannot dig it all away down to ground level?
    thanks in advance for the help!
    rob
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    edited September 2023
    @kqcnxyfpsrH1kzw_2J You will have to speak to whoever has agreed the TPO on the tree. I assume you have some paperwork for it. You cannot trim even a tiny piece off the roots it is breaking the law. I would do nothing at all without proper consent and they could say no to your request.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    You can remove the timber, which isn't doing anything useful, but don't mess with the roots. I would probably build a little wall from loose timber sleepers or brick to replace the boards, just for aesthetic reasons. You could infill with a little bark mulch or pebbles to smarten up the surface of the roots.
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • kqcnxyfpsrH1kzw_2JkqcnxyfpsrH1kzw_2J Posts: 3
    Thanks all. I understand and appreciate the TPO. Will speak to the council. Was hoping to be able to remove the soil / bed surrounding the tree base to give fewer hiding spaces for animals. Just a bit conscious of my kids playing in the garden when I know for a fact there are mice and possibly rats very close by!
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Find out whether they are indeed rats and/or house mice … we had lovely little longtailed fieldmice living around our big tree. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @kqcnxyfpsrH1kzw_2J Councils can be slow in response to TPO enquiries. If you do have concerns for your children playing in the garden you could mention that too.

    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    While waiting for a response from the council, just removing the timber and allowing the surrounding earth to find its own height as it weathers may alert the mice/rats to find a new home.  I don't mind field mice residents but certainly not rats!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


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