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Tips & Techniques

Neighbors tree roots

21 years ago

I'm trying to plant a willow in my yard, but it seems that the choicest spots have the neighbors (maple and pine) tree roots running below.

Is there a better way of finding the roots than digging up half my yard? I have plans for the one area of the yard, but with those tree roots... Are my plans doomed? Just doesn't seem right that I can't plant what I want where I want it on my own property because of neighbors tree roots!

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Cathy

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Comment (1)

roxanna
21 years ago
Trees are funny things, legally speaking. While it is annoying to have a neighbor's tree, roots or leaves, impinge upon your gardening freedom, in most locales no one can blithely damage a tree not in one's own yard. In other words, you cannot do anything on your side of the fence that would harm the overall health of the tree. This would include chopping through major roots (anything over 1/2 inch diameter or so) or whacking off branches that by doing so might eventually kill the tree (minor judicious pruning is usually allowed).

Do check your local applicable laws before you plant.

Also, I wouldn't think an area that maples and pines are happy in would be the best location for a willow -- most willows love more copious amounts of water.
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