Tree surgery

scorza · 17 Aug 2008 at 13:47

I've got this tree that borders on to my neighbours drive, they've just been round to say that they're a bit worried about it as their drive is starting to crack by the tree so obviously one of the roots is pushing up. I'm going to call a tree surgeon tomorrow and get them to look at it, but does anyone have any idea of what they can do? and more importantly how much is it going to cost me?

Edit: Just a thought, would this possibly be covered under my home insurance?

gareth.e · 17 Aug 2008 at 13:49

No idea, at a guess they can chop the root?

I knew a guy who trained as a tree surgeon, he said he just did a 2 week course that cost him like £4-500 lol

uv · 17 Aug 2008 at 15:00

If the roots are starting to cause damage, the tree has to come down.

The tree surgeon will take down branches via hoists/scaff if it's a large tree, then take chunks from the trunk until it's just a small stump, and then chain some cuts into the stump and pour in red/oil, which will kill the tree.

If the tree is small enough, then they'll be able to cut the stump from the ground by severing the roots from around/underneath it - it's damn hard graft, and it'll leave the roots (obviously), but there's not much more that can be done.

Cost will depend on tree size and location - If it's a fairly sized oak/beech etc, expect to pay ~£350, but it could be less if it's a nice easy tree in an open space

DB_SamX · 17 Aug 2008 at 15:03

scorza said:
I've got this tree that borders on to my neighbours drive, they've just been round to say that they're a bit worried about it as their drive is starting to crack by the tree so obviously one of the roots is pushing up. I'm going to call a tree surgeon tomorrow and get them to look at it, but does anyone have any idea of what they can do? and more importantly how much is it going to cost me?

Edit: Just a thought, would this possibly be covered under my home insurance?

Cost can go up to thousands in the worst case and yes, it is usually covered by home insurance if the T&C includes drives. Is the drive very close to the house?

Just been doing some structural work for a house extension and *** owners gave us some old paperwork regarding cracking due to trees. They had to be felled and the stump and local roots removed at the insurer's cost.