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Tree Roots
calicarpa
Posts: 6
My next door neighbour has a large and tall Ash tree growing right next to the fence. When it was much smaller I tried to request on many that they did not let it grow too tall but with no response. Now 2 of the roots are growing several feet into the garden and lifting the brick paver path. I could have these roots taken off but the tree may then fall over onto my side. They are not interested in their garden but also not interested in dealing with problems such as this. Any ideas as to how I might deal with this please?
0
Posts
you might find that the roots grow even longer and more vigorously if you chop them off
Have you tried speaking to them about the damage? Perhaps if you showed them and said you'll have to cut all the roots on your side of the fence, they may be a little more understanding. It's not an easy situation, but if they're causing damage to your property you do have a right to take some action. I doubt if the tree would just fall down but maybe if you suggest it'll fall into their garden they might be prepared to do something!
On the other hand, they might just be annoyed and rude.
Try the gentle approach first anyway.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
When we have had neighbourly disputes in our house, my OH goes round and talks nicely to them, and if they do not respond I go and shout at them. On the whole, over many years, the OHs methods have had a better outcome.
When you don't even know who's in the team
S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
Thanks for those replies although we have tried talking to them. They seem to understand but them do nothing about it. They had an extension last year and caused damage to our property ( which was sort of sorted ) and their attitude seemed to be that the least said soonest mended - a kind of bury your head in the sand attitude. But it caused us lots of problems so think that a mere tree would not bother them unduly. But will try again and thanks for the input.
How near are the trees to their house ? If they thought the roots might damage their foundations then perhaps they would do something.
kill the tree
dig down to the roots and bang some copper nails into them, hopefully it'll kill the tree slowly so it looks like its a disease, alternatively you could drill some holes in the root and put brushwood killer in the holes, then claim ash die back has killed it!
Not near enough to their house unfortunately but interesting option from treehugger80! Thanks for input.