Tall trees

Davesnave

moneyistooshorttomention wrote: »

That's got me wondering just what difference away from drains is a safe one for trees to be planted?? My nfh recently planted a fast-growing conifer type tree (hopetogawd it aint that tree - ie leylandii) and I'm wondering how high she intends to grow it.

Just had nasty thought that its not that far from my drains:(. Followed by more cheerful thought that her own drains are probably in between her tree and my drains:).

Would her drains get bunged-up enough by the tree that she would get concerned on her own behalf before those roots could grow on further in the direction of my drains?

Conifer roots are typically not extensive and tend to form a dense mass close to the tree.

Poplar, on the other hand, have very extensive root systems which, according to my supplier, "should not be planted within 130' of buildings."

Entirely logical, then, that there is now one very close to the boundary with my troublesome neighbour's illegal septic tank system!

Furts

moneyistooshorttomention wrote: »

That's got me wondering just what difference away from drains is a safe one for trees to be planted?? My nfh recently planted a fast-growing conifer type tree (hopetogawd it aint that tree - ie leylandii) and I'm wondering how high she intends to grow it.

Just had nasty thought that its not that far from my drains:(. Followed by more cheerful thought that her own drains are probably in between her tree and my drains:).

Would her drains get bunged-up enough by the tree that she would get concerned on her own behalf before those roots could grow on further in the direction of my drains?

Davesnave is an honourable fountain of knowledge, but his reply may mislead people if it taken at face value.

Whilst coniferous trees may have root balls close to the trees the influence of these roots in terms of taking up moisture goes way past the tree. For example, in highly shrinkable clay in the South East of England a mature Leyland Cypress will influence the ground at 1000mm deep to a distance of 12m from the tree. Since private drain connections are shallower than this one can see that a risk exists with countless drains.

moneyistooshorttomention

Thanks Furts. Further thoughts added to the "I cant understand why my nfh thinks she's intelligent - because she obviously isn't" list.:cool:

My garden has typical West Wales clay - so I am now wondering whether there is any difference between S.E. England clay and what there is here - if only down to the sheer volume of rain there is here.

Thanksthelawd again that her own drains are pretty close to her tree and nearer than mine are...

Furts

moneyistooshorttomention wrote: »

Thanks Furts. Further thoughts added to the "I cant understand why my nfh thinks she's intelligent - because she obviously isn't" list.:cool:

My garden has typical West Wales clay - so I am now wondering whether there is any difference between S.E. England clay and what there is here - if only down to the sheer volume of rain there is here.

Thanksthelawd again that her own drains are pretty close to her tree and nearer than mine are...

Hi Money
Your intuition is correct. The further west one goes the better the situation becomes. Likewise if the clay becomes firmer with less water content. But the problem still exists. Hence a pragmatic solution is to keep all trees and shrubs under control and not allow trees to get anywhere near mature heights. Not a cure, because I suspect that the roots will still be growing even if there is only a pruned tree visible after, say, 20 years.

Basically trees and shrubs should be kept away from drains, and from any walls.

jc808

YOu can kill trees by lopping the top off.
Last resort - the key to keeping trees small is to crown them / prune regularly.

Which hasnt been happening.

Buy another houose