Conifers(leylandi) - can anyone help?
Kevin Ashman
Conifers - ( leylandi)
I have about Seven Conifers in my back garden and my neighbour wants me
to cut them down because she is concerned they will cause subsidence to her
house.
I keep them to a max. height of about Six feet (1 Metre).
The closest one to her property is about seven feet ( just over a Metre)
The question is would there be a problem and should I cut them down?
Suggestions and answers very much appreciated
Thanks - Kevin
Nick Maclaren
In article <894563723.12023.0...@news.demon.co.uk>,
Kevin Ashman <Ke...@paradiseclub.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>
>I have about Seven Conifers in my back garden and my neighbour wants me
>to cut them down because she is concerned they will cause subsidence to her
>house.
>
>I keep them to a max. height of about Six feet (1 Metre).
>The closest one to her property is about seven feet ( just over a Metre)
Six feet is about 1.8 metres, and seven is about 2.1. They are unlikely
to cause subsidence as they are shallow rooted, but might cause damp
problems. If you keep them at six feet high and seven feet distance,
she doesn't have very good grounds for complaint.
But such arguments are rarely rational, and you may find it easier or
better to give way. If not, suggest that she asks an expert for a
comment, as she won't believe you.
Nick Maclaren,
University of Cambridge Computing Service,
New Museums Site, Pembroke Street, Cambridge CB2 3QG, England.
Email: nm...@cam.ac.uk
Tel.: +44 1223 334761 Fax: +44 1223 334679
David Hilton
Hi
As a professional Building Surveyor I can assure you that the conifers will
not affect your neighbours foundations. I feel they may be more concerned
that you or future owners will not keep the height to feasonable levels.
It is the height of conifers that worries most people.
Regards
David Hilton
Alan Bancroft
>This is a myth perpetuated by leylandii lovers. Ever tried digging one
>up ?
Leylandii perhaps should be described a "relatively" shallow-rooted,
I'd rather tackle Leylandii than privet!
The originator of this thread is I'm afraid a victim of his neighbours
hysteria as it would seem that his Leylandii are well under control.
If local by-laws could enforce the maintenance of a maximum height for
hedges (not just Leylandii) to 8 feet where a greater height would
cause problems for neighbours, then there would be no problem.
Karel Hladky
In article <6ist6v$4ek$1...@lyra.csx.cam.ac.uk>, Nick Maclaren
<nm...@cus.cam.ac.uk> writes
>Six feet is about 1.8 metres, and seven is about 2.1. They are unlikely
>to cause subsidence as they are shallow rooted, but might cause damp
This is a myth perpetuated by leylandii lovers. Ever tried digging one
up ?
>problems. If you keep them at six feet high and seven feet distance,
>she doesn't have very good grounds for complaint.
Karel
--
++++++++++++++++++ KH Design & Development ++++++++++++++++++
Electrochemical Corrosion Measurement and Control Consultancy
http://www.khdesign.demon.co.uk/
Alan J Holmes
In article <894563723.12023.0...@news.demon.co.uk>,
Kevin Ashman <Ke...@paradiseclub.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>I have about Seven Conifers in my back garden and my neighbour wants me
>to cut them down because she is concerned they will cause subsidence to her
>house.
>I keep them to a max. height of about Six feet (1 Metre).
>The closest one to her property is about seven feet ( just over a Metre)
What a curious form of measurement you have, I thought that six
feet was close to two metres, and seven feet just over two
metres. I could be wrong cos I was bought up on imperial
measurements!
>The question is would there be a problem and should I cut them down?
Doesn't sound like it to me.
>Suggestions and answers very much appreciated
You sound to me like a very responsible Leylandii owner, the
problem would be if you were unable to continue to maintain them
or you moved and the next person wasn't as careful as you.
--
Alan G4CRW, Ex FAA, RNARS and others!
Here I sit, giving the world the benefit of my words of wit and wisdom!
What an exciting life I lead!(:-)
Karel Hladky
In article <6it0ra$l0u$1...@news.enterprise.net>, David Hilton
<dav...@enterprise.net> writes
>Hi
>
>As a professional Building Surveyor I can assure you that the conifers will
>not affect your neighbours foundations. I feel they may be more concerned
>that you or future owners will not keep the height to feasonable levels.
Do you do palm readings as well ? I find it amazing that you can offer
'professional' opinion without apparently having visited the site.
David Hilton
NO, I DO NOT READ PALMS
The advice is given from years of experience and research given out by
establishments such as The Building Research Establishment, the National
House Building Council
DO YOU NEED ANY MORE
David Hilton
Karel Hladky
In article <6j3m8l$2ua$1...@news.enterprise.net>, David Hilton
<dav...@enterprise.net> writes
>NO, I DO NOT READ PALMS
>
>The advice is given from years of experience and research given out by
>establishments such as The Building Research Establishment, the National
>House Building Council
>
>DO YOU NEED ANY MORE
Come on then, which relevant BRE or NHBC publication specifically
mentions Leylandii (not conifer in general) roots ?
Alistair Brown
I have a problem which I would like advice on from the other point of
view. My neighbour has 3 conifers at the end of her garden that look
higher than our bungalow, and so I presume are around 20 feet tall.
They are however within 6 feet of the side of our house. That part
of our house was built in 1958, so probably is on shallow
foundations, and we are on very heavy clay soil. The trees are
probably around 9 years old.
I have had the building inspector out who said that we could have a
problem with subsidence in the future, or possibly heave if the trees
were removed in one go. Our neighbour is not totally against
reducing the height of the trees, but is worried that this will mean
that they will bush out at the sides and require a lot of clipping in
the future.
I am obviously very nervous about the situation and have already told
her that her insurance could be liable if we do have any problems in
the future. However, I would like a peaceful end to this problem.
Am I right to be worried?
Also, could anyone tell me how she should go about reducing the trees
in size, and also if there are any alternative trees that she could
grow that would not be such a problem.
Thank you
Alison Brown
The message <6it0ra$l0u$1...@news.enterprise.net>
from "David Hilton" <dav...@enterprise.net> contains these words:
> Hi
> As a professional Building Surveyor I can assure you that the conifers will
> not affect your neighbours foundations. I feel they may be more concerned
> that you or future owners will not keep the height to feasonable levels.
> It is the height of conifers that worries most people.
> Regards
> David Hilton
> >>
> >>I have about Seven Conifers in my back garden and my neighbour wants me
> >>to cut them down because she is concerned they will cause subsidence to
> her
> >>house.
> >>
> >>I keep them to a max. height of about Six feet (1 Metre).
> >>The closest one to her property is about seven feet ( just over a Metre)
> >
> >Six feet is about 1.8 metres, and seven is about 2.1. They are unlikely
> >to cause subsidence as they are shallow rooted, but might cause damp
Karen
In article <199805132...@zetnet.co.uk>, Alistair Brown
<the.b...@zetnet.co.uk> writes
[tall conifers on clay close to house]
>
>I have had the building inspector out who said that we could have a
>problem with subsidence in the future, or possibly heave if the trees
>were removed in one go. Our neighbour is not totally against
>reducing the height of the trees, but is worried that this will mean
>that they will bush out at the sides and require a lot of clipping in
>the future.
Two points - building inspectors are not _necessarily_ experts in soil
movement (as I have learned from experience), and reducing the height of
the trees will not necessarily make much difference to the pattern of
root growth.
>
>I am obviously very nervous about the situation and have already told
>her that her insurance could be liable if we do have any problems in
>the future. However, I would like a peaceful end to this problem.
>Am I right to be worried?
You may be overly worried
>
>Also, could anyone tell me how she should go about reducing the trees
>in size, and also if there are any alternative trees that she could
>grow that would not be such a problem.
>
Conifers tend to be the least problematic trees to have close by both
because the roots tend not to be actively invasive (like ash or willow
for instance) and the trees do not take the quantities of water out of
the soil (and therefore cause the clay shrinkage) of some of the broad
leaf deciduous variety.
There are an awful lot of myths perpetuated in this area of
trees/houses. We were amazed at how little was really understood about
trees/soil/buildings by some building specialists (including structural
engineers IME) and some horticulturalists. My brother (who happens to be
qualified in both fields ) reckons this is par for the course.
We actually found some of the best advice came from the local authority
tree officers who as well as being knowledgeable on the patterns of
growth of different trees and the impact of any pruning on those
patterns of growth, have become expert in soil movement as well. This
was forced upon them somewhat by waves of builders wanting to chop down
anything with more than five leaves on a potential site. Also by
insurers who have a "chop it down first" attitude to trees in clay soil
areas.
It might be worth trying to find out just how much your buidling
inspector knows about trees (specifics rather than generalities) or
asking your tree officer for an opinion.
ttfn,
Karen
--
The truth is out there. But so is the Good Year blimp. Don't get them
confused.
Lee Bohan
Greetings All,
I am considering buying a house in the very near future.
What trees in gardens should I be wary of (other than the obvious Willow)
from a structural damage point of view?
Also, when I've got a place I intend to plant some trees, particular
candidates are Scotts Pine, Oak, American Oak, Monkey Puzzle and the fluffy
leaved blue Picea type tree I am not sure of the name of. How safe are these
to plant in reasonable proximity to houses in clay or sandy soil?
Cheers,
Lee.
David Hilton
Karen wrote in message ...
>In article <199805132...@zetnet.co.uk>, Alistair Brown
><the.b...@zetnet.co.uk> writes
>
>[tall conifers on clay close to house]
>>
>>>Two points - building inspectors are not _necessarily_ experts in soil
>movement (as I have learned from experience),
Sorry to hear that, but most do know and appreciate the problems of trees
>It might be worth trying to find out just how much your buidling
>inspector knows about trees
He should know quite a bit - he is responsible for ensuring that new
buildings are built so as not to be affected by trees - although he will not
know of future plantings!!!!
regards
David Hilton
Jane Ransom
In article <6jnh80$19d$1...@nclient3-gui.server.virgin.net>, Lee Bohan
<lee....@virgin.net> writes
>
>Also, when I've got a place I intend to plant some trees, particular
>candidates are Scotts Pine, Oak, American Oak, Monkey Puzzle and the fluffy
>leaved blue Picea type tree I am not sure of the name of. How safe are these
>to plant in reasonable proximity to houses in clay or sandy soil?
>
--
Jane Ransom in Lancaster.
Manus Marron
>view. My neighbour has 3 conifers at the end of her garden that look
>higher than our bungalow, and so I presume are around 20 feet tall.
>They are however within 6 feet of the side of our house. That part
>of our house was built in 1958, so probably is on shallow
>foundations, and we are on very heavy clay soil. The trees are
>probably around 9 years old.
>
>problem with subsidence in the future, or possibly heave if the trees
>were removed in one go. Our neighbour is not totally against
>reducing the height of the trees, but is worried that this will mean
>that they will bush out at the sides and require a lot of clipping in
>the future.
>
>her that her insurance could be liable if we do have any problems in
>the future. However, I would like a peaceful end to this problem.
>Am I right to be worried?
>
>in size, and also if there are any alternative trees that she could
>grow that would not be such a problem.
>
>
>Alison Brown
>
>The message <6it0ra$l0u$1...@news.enterprise.net>
> from "David Hilton" <dav...@enterprise.net> contains these words:
>
>
>> Hi
>
>> As a professional Building Surveyor I can assure you that the conifers will
>> not affect your neighbours foundations. I feel they may be more concerned
>> that you or future owners will not keep the height to feasonable levels.
>
>> It is the height of conifers that worries most people.
>
>> Regards
>
>> David Hilton
>> >>
>> >>I have about Seven Conifers in my back garden and my neighbour wants me
>> >>to cut them down because she is concerned they will cause subsidence to
>> her
>> >>house.
>> >>
>> >>I keep them to a max. height of about Six feet (1 Metre).
>> >>The closest one to her property is about seven feet ( just over a Metre)
>> >
>> >Six feet is about 1.8 metres, and seven is about 2.1. They are unlikely
>> >to cause subsidence as they are shallow rooted, but might cause damp
>> >problems. If you keep them at six feet high and seven feet distance,
>> >she doesn't have very good grounds for complaint.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
ears picked up. I am planning on putting in a conifer hedge, around 120
trees aprox with a very maximum height of 8ft. My problem is two fold.
1. Is there a legal height. Although I own my home and my neighbours
don't mind, I wonder if in years to come if, say we had a fall out,
could they become arkward and request my trees to be cut down?
2. Some conifer hedges I have seen have the growth right the way down to
the ground, I like that. Some I have seen have a quite a large trunk
showing, not very nice. How does one achieve the former and is there a
particular variety best suited to my requirements?
I am not an expert gardener and would like some help on the matter.
Could save me a lot of money and help to maintain my friendship with my
neighbours. Live in N.Ireland.
--
Manus Marron
Jane Ransom
In article <m1JV5CAK...@dunloy.demon.co.uk>, Manus Marron
<Ma...@dunloy.demon.co.uk> writes
<BIGSNIP>
>
>I am not an expert gardener and would like some help on the matter.
>Could save me a lot of money and help to maintain my friendship with my
>neighbours. Live in N.Ireland.
Er, Manus, while it is a current topic, do you think you could cut out
all the previous stuff before you post your query? It is one hell of a
pain to have to scroll through all that irrelevant stuff to get to your
little bit on the end (if you'll pardon the expression) :)
Judith Lea
>don't mind, I wonder if in years to come if, say we had a fall out,
>could they become arkward and request my trees to be cut down?
I don't know the legal position but have you considered planting
something other than Lleyandi? Last Autumn I put in a new hedge along a
perimeter of my land which borders farmland and to make it interesting,
I have made it up from all different coloured evergreen shrubs, it is
still quite small, around 2-3 feet and looks lovely in bloom, to save
money, I intend striking softwood cuttings, maybe a hundred or so for
another perimeter, hopefully they will catch up within a year or so and
cost me nothing.
>
>2. Some conifer hedges I have seen have the growth right the way down to
>the ground, I like that. Some I have seen have a quite a large trunk
>showing, not very nice. How does one achieve the former and is there a
>particular variety best suited to my requirements?
I have seen this and I think it is a different variety of conifer. I
think there is one called White something or other which grows to 6-8
feet only. Again, if you are interested I could find out the variety.
You could also only buy half what you need as conifer type trees can be
propogated very easily.
>
>I am not an expert gardener and would like some help on the matter.
>Could save me a lot of money and help to maintain my friendship with my
>neighbours. Live in N.Ireland.
I personally would not grow a lleyandi hedge not because I don't like
the trees but because unless you have an enormous garden they will take
your shade and nutrition from the soil, snake their roots under patios,
as I found out to my cost in our last house and cause your neighbours to
be extremely nervous.
--
Judith Lea
Anne Jackson
The message <f4JOydBF$cY1...@mearsgyl.demon.co.uk>
from Jane Ransom <ran...@mearsgyl.demon.co.uk> contains these words:
> Er, Manus, while it is a current topic, do you think you could cut out
> all the previous stuff before you post your query?
I'll second that!
Anne J
Jon Rouse
Lee Bohan wrote:
>
> How safe are hese
> to plant in reasonable proximity to houses in clay or sandy soil?
As a rough rule of thumb, take the height of the mature tree as the
distance the roots will extend.
Double this for clay soil.
Avoid poplars and leylandii and any forest trees unless you have a very
large garden.
--
The views expressed are my own and may not represent those of my employer
Alan J Holmes
In article <m1JV5CAK...@dunloy.demon.co.uk>,
Manus Marron <ma...@dunloy.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>Sorry to interupt the current topic, but as you mentioned conifers my
>ears picked up. I am planning on putting in a conifer hedge, around 120
>trees aprox with a very maximum height of 8ft. My problem is two fold.
>1. Is there a legal height. Although I own my home and my neighbours
>don't mind, I wonder if in years to come if, say we had a fall out,
>could they become arkward and request my trees to be cut down?
In another thread Viburnum has been discussed, why don't
you plant that, it only grows to about 8 feet and is
evergreen, makes a good thick hedge and has flowers in
the spring.
_No one_ could object to a Viburnum hedge.
Manus Marron
In article <6k18a0$l...@loki.brunel.ac.uk>, Alan J Holmes
<Alan....@brunel.ac.uk> writes
>In another thread Viburnum has been discussed, why don't
>you plant that, it only grows to about 8 feet and is
>evergreen, makes a good thick hedge and has flowers in
>the spring.
and
In article <4zQHjUAK...@nanime.demon.co.uk>, Judith Lea
<Jud...@nanime.demon.co.uk> writes
>I don't know the legal position but have you considered planting
>something other than Lleyandi?
Thank you both for your help. Your points have been very constructive
and helpfull.
--
Manus Marron