As above really. The roots are there to support the top growth and the less you have above ground, the less is needed to sustain it underground. Perhaps thats a bit simplified but it is generally correct.
Pruning/coppicing/pollarding etc means you reduce the top growth and put less need into root production, meaning they shouldn't grow as far or as large as for a tree. It wouldn't rule out damage if it's close to somewhere that could be affected but it lessens the risk. Clay isn't the best soil to have for trees in dry situations and causes most problems with subsidence etc. If you'd like to let it grow larger than you could move it further from the house but anything under a few meters tall shouldn't be any riskier than a similarly sized shrub.
As above really. The roots are there to support the top growth and the less you have above ground, the less is needed to sustain it underground. Perhaps thats a bit simplified but it is generally correct.
Pruning/coppicing/pollarding etc means you reduce the top growth and put less need into root production, meaning they shouldn't grow as far or as large as for a tree. It wouldn't rule out damage if it's close to somewhere that could be affected but it lessens the risk. Clay isn't the best soil to have for trees in dry situations and causes most problems with subsidence etc. If you'd like to let it grow larger than you could move it further from the house but anything under a few meters tall shouldn't be any riskier than a similarly sized shrub.
Thank you for your help I need to brush up on the terminology next then.
I would caution against planting trees or shrubs just because you have them. It would be tempting because they were probably expensive, but if they are fundamentally wrong for the place, you are just giving yourself massive headaches down the line.
I would caution against planting trees or shrubs just because you have them. It would be tempting because they were probably expensive, but if they are fundamentally wrong for the place, you are just giving yourself massive headaches down the line.
Seems to be very mixed responses from everyone on keeping it small and it will be fine versus taking it out altogether. Thanks for the warnings, looks like I will have to get professional advice somehow
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Pruning/coppicing/pollarding etc means you reduce the top growth and put less need into root production, meaning they shouldn't grow as far or as large as for a tree. It wouldn't rule out damage if it's close to somewhere that could be affected but it lessens the risk. Clay isn't the best soil to have for trees in dry situations and causes most problems with subsidence etc.
If you'd like to let it grow larger than you could move it further from the house but anything under a few meters tall shouldn't be any riskier than a similarly sized shrub.