Neighbours Have Planted A Tree In Their Garden Right By Our Garden Fence ....

[chokkie]

Dear ABers, I wonder whether someone out there can offer some advice. I was not sure whether to put this in Home and Garden or "Law", opted for the former topic.

Our neighbours (to whom we don't speak and haven't done so for ages), have just planted a spindly little tree in their back garden, right by our (and it is our) garden fence. It's quite a tall tree already (it's higher than our 6ft fence), and we think it's a willow-type tree, judging by the foliage we're able to see. Not only have they planted it right next to our garden fence, but it's only about a metre away from their property and about a metre and a half away from ours. We have serious concerns that, when this tree establishes itself in the ground and starts to grow bigger (as they do!), the roots will start impacting on the foundations and drainage system of both our properties. Quite apart from all the branch and foliage overhang onto our property as it's already higher than our garden fence. Neither my OH or myself believe that our neighbours have the first idea what they have just planted, but we are seriously worried about this issue. We don't really care what happens to their property, but we do care what happens to ours and don't want to be saddled with a huge repair bill/insurance claim for damage to our foundations/drainage system. Nor do we want to see large cracks appearing in the walls of our property. If this tree is a willow-type, then the chances are that the roots will be sucking up all the moisture in the ground and damage everything in their wake. We are waiting for an opportunity to get one of the tree's leaves in an attempt to identify this tree.

Any ideas? As mentioned earlier, we don't talk to our neighbours so can't really march round to see them about this issue.

We would appreciate any advice/information.

Many thanks, Chox.

[Robinia]

Can you see the base? Are you sure it's actually in the ground and not one of those willows in a container?

[EDDIE51]

Nothing illegal about planting a tree. This has more to do with your problems with the neighbours. '' We don't speak and haven't done so for years''
Would this be a problem if you were on good terms with the people next door? I suspect not.

[Baldric]

Eddie if it is a Willow Tree planted that close to both their properties then IT WILL become a problem as it grows whether or not they are talking

[Baldric]

Chokkie, see section on Roots

http://www.letlink.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=356%3Aroot-cause-how-trees-can-cause-disputes-and-damage-to-property&catid=87%3Agardens&Itemid=100062

[chokkie]

Thanks for the link re tree roots. will read it later today.

Eddie - I can assure you that, even if we were on good terms with our neighbours, we would be worried about this tree because of where they have planted it. It would definitely still be a problem. Robinia - we are pretty sure that they have now planted it - over last weekend, we could see the tree in its original "terracotta" (plastic pot) and the pot is now sitting empty on their grass, so we reckon they planted it during the course of the last few days.

So I would still be asking for advice whether or not we were speaking to our neighbours ..... and thanks for your support Baldric. I am glad that you see our point of view. Over the weekend we'll be having a peek over the fence to see where the tree actually is, but we do both think that it's planted in the ground now.

[1ozzy]

Worst case scenario Chokkie, if the roots make it to your place over the coming years, unearth them, drill some holes in them (not all the way through) undiluted glyphosate into the holes you drill. No more tree.

[Robinia]

Well here's hoping they've put it in another container chokkie because I wouldn't want it that close to me either. Good luck.

[RATTER15]

Can you post a pic so we can see, possibly identify the tree or variety of willow?

[chokkie]

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated. the glyphosate treatment sounds a great idea - but wouldn't doing that affect all the lovely roses that are currently growing on our side of the fence where their tree is? Although, having said that, the demise of some rose trees would be a very small price to pay for not having any damage done to our property. And, in a perverse sort of way, it might save our neighbours the price of a hefty bill to pay for the damage to their drains/foundations .... Hmmm, will talk to OH ... thanks again. Chox.

[chokkie]

Good idea Ratter15 - if you can wait until the weekend, I'll get OH to take a pic on his digital camera and post it here. It shouldn't be too hard to find this thread again after a few days. Cheers. Chox.

[1ozzy]

As long as you are careful the glyphosate will only affect the plant it is applied to.
As I stated, a last resort.
Glyphosate is a non residual non selective herbicide, ie: it will kill almost any plant but does not poison the earth and breaks down over time.

[gness]

You're right to be concerned, Chox.....but at least you are aware.
It doesn't always take long for roots to cause damage especially where the ground is clay.

When cracks appeared in our dining room it was discovered that roots from next door's tree, not that long planted, was the cause.
It was sad because he had planted the tree in memory of his Mum but, he had the tree and roots removed immediately at his expense, and we bought him a tree to plant elsewhere.

If you aren't able to discuss this with your neighbour are you able to expose the area where the roots are and chop them before they get too big?

Not an ideal solution, I know and you'll have an ugly spot in your garden but I do feel for you...and can't think of any other solution....well except for Ozzy's.....x

[chokkie]

HI folks, thanks for all your advice. We will think about this carefully, but also take a peep on the other side of our fence to see exactly where the tree is planted - before we do anything drastic. Thanks for the reassurance about the weedkiller - but will bear in mind that rosebushes can always be replaced easily - and property repairs etc are a lot more costly! Will post a picture of the tree and its leaves on here over the weekend. cheers, chox.

[johnny37]

Ask talk to them politely. Avoid arguing. Things like this can cause a lot of resentment

[EDDIE51]

I never meant to say it was not a problem. I was intending to point out that not being on speaking terms with your next door neighbours is a bigger problem than a tree. You are going to have to talk to them to sort this out.