Fence Vs Tree

NoNameNoNumber · 19 Jul 2019 at 16:24

Took a greenhouse and a shed down in this corner of the garden that has remained largely untouched since buying the property (5 yrs) in a bid to clear the lot and landscape it, seating area and fire pit.
The fence is obviously knackered so I have bought 5' vertilap panels 1' gravel boards and 8' concrete posts with a view to replacing the whole run.
Problem being the Silver Birch, It's a big old tree and I don't really want to get rid but I can't really see any other solution.
I'll let the pics do the talking

Any solutions???

NoNameNoNumber · 19 Jul 2019 at 16:41

The one just to the right of the tree has been lifted a good 6" up, I'm guessing by the trees growth.
Not convinced I could get a concrete post anywhere near there

NoNameNoNumber · 19 Jul 2019 at 16:48

Yeah my bad, I though I took the pictures specifically depicting that... I didn't

Yeah that'd work... Can I hack at the roots and not weaken the tree or potentially kill it?

NoNameNoNumber · 19 Jul 2019 at 16:58

NoNameNoNumber · 19 Jul 2019 at 20:52

I have considered that, but I still will have issues with the gravel board interfering with the tree. I guess I could get the Stihl saw out.
I've put a string up, I can raise the whole fence 2.5" that will hopefully do some good.

Any input on 'clearancing' the tree roots at all?

NoNameNoNumber · 22 Jul 2019 at 21:24

Good news guys. Tree + fence in harmony

Ended up digging loads of holes around the tree to find where best we could set the posts straddling.
Had to cut one root that was about 3" in diameter, about 18" from the tree, and I notched the bark a little on the trunk.
Hopefully nothing that will harm the tree.

Thanks for your input!

NoNameNoNumber · 22 Jul 2019 at 22:16

I'd love to but I ain't cheap

NoNameNoNumber · 22 Jul 2019 at 22:25

Physically hard work but not beyond the average DIYer once the head scratching is done.

NoNameNoNumber · 23 Jul 2019 at 15:30

That's what I did, see above

Hopefully the tree doesn't grow too much more... Although if it does I'll get the Stihl saw out again.

NoNameNoNumber · 24 Jul 2019 at 12:31

Skiddley said:
Good man!

Thank you very much

Mercenary Keyboard Warrior said:
Really good job and well done for saving the tree.

Just postcrete in the holes?

Thank you wasn't quite the mission I thought it was going to be in the end, going for 12" gravel boards was the saviour undoubtedly.

Yeah so the holes are 2' deep, used a couple of brick ends wedged in to hold the post steady then one bag of Postcrete in each hole. Then the last 6-8" I've tamped soil in to bring the level up. Tempted to mix some concrete though and fill the hole up solid.

That said, we had a right storm last night, I was working nights watching the rain fall sideways fretting about the state of the fence upon my arrival home this morning... It's still standing though so it's probably fine.

NoNameNoNumber · 24 Jul 2019 at 15:00

Skiddley said:
Wonder how it looks on the other side

Well.... There's plenty of shrubbery that side

Blackjack Davy said:
First thing I'd say is are you sure the fence is yours? It looks like your neighbours fence to me. If you're happy paying then ok I guess. Secondly birches are short lived trees 50-60 years tops and thats a very mature specimen might not have many years left. But its moot now I guess.

Definitely ours, checked the deeds. Very peculiar boundaries round here. Less than £300 all in anyway so not worth fighting over even if it wasn't.
Well bugger me I did not realise that was the case with the tree!
Mind you, if it does die, tomorrow or in 5 years whatever I'll just need to put a new gravel board in. No biggie

NoNameNoNumber · 25 Jul 2019 at 20:31

Quartz said:
Nice job!

Thank you