Leylandi advice - 4 fell in wind roots lifted on rest

betsie

Hi
Can I have some advice from any tree experts please. I have 8, 20ft leylandi tree in my garden on the boundary line.
4 in the middle fell in the high winds this week leaving two either side. One of these has a visable split in the trunk and on the others you can see there has been root disturbance.

My question is, is it safe to leave the other 4 up? I have the insurance loss adjuster coming tomorrow and just wanted to know. I am assuming they all need to go now if the root net work has been disturbed.

Thanks

Davesnave

I think we're all going to be guessing.

If the middle trees have gone, those on the outside might have less support, but they'll not be part of a huge 'wall' against the wind. So, future winds might well have less effect on them. This is a similar scenario to that where 'hit & miss' fencing with gaps in it survives better than standard overlap panels.

That said, the safety of the trees depends very much on what's around them and who's likely to be near them in a gale. Leylandii aren't deep rooted. Personally, I'd have them down and look for alternatives to filter the wind.

forgotmyname

Get some height off them before the wind comes back if your going to keep them.

peter_the_piper

Take them all down, They are shallow rooted and if they seem to have moved then its likely they will come down. You'll not get any to match so it won't look good anyway. Topping them will help to stop them blowing over but they will look a pigs ear if left.