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  Pip Howard November 10, 2010 at 6:29pm

  Strange to have an Ash in such a position.
  
  Does the local council not have a tree officer, they are obliged by law to have so or if not they must 'hire' one from another council. In my opinion I wouldn't proceed with any works until after having at the least a chat with one.
  
  The reason is that the lateral plate root system of an Ash will head towards an abundant source of water and nutrients, this may well be your clients garden, (I remember a lecturer years ago describing the rapid growth of Ash roots as being similar to putting a potato in the dark and it will shoot through any maze placed in its path to get to the light), therefore it may be that the boundary in question contains a large percentage of the principle roots.
  
  The second option of a 2metre submerged wall will certainly alleviate the problem but may be considered as a construction and as such fall into the restrictions imposed by BS 5837. Thus it could potentially lead to a fine or penalty by the Council.
  
  This is all worse case scenario.
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  Lawncare-4u.co.uk November 10, 2010 at 6:48pm

  sounds a bit late . root barrier when planted maybe to force roots down wards .............
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  Fenlandphil November 10, 2010 at 9:11pm

  If the couuncil maintain that the damage is not caused by the roots from the ash tree, would a really strong solution of stump clearer as recommended for dealing with my tree stump, poured into the ground where the damage is occuring, stop the tree doing the damage. If the council say it's not their tree then the ash tree should be unaffected.
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  Brian Taylor November 13, 2010 at 12:28pm

  In my experience a vertical root barrier is possible to reduce ongoing tree root damage, but normally the barrier is installed 3m deep, This obviously cannot be used for all sites, as the stability of buildings, roadways, etc have to be considered, as does the presence of underground and overhead services.
  
  You contact me via my website if you want a chat. See www.knotweed-removal.co.uk I have managed several projects for insurance companies of this nature.
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  Ofer El-hashahar September 22, 2011 at 10:00am

  a bit late - I guess. but I can highlight few points.

  ( It is something that I studied and work with a lot- as a supplier and consultant)

   

  1. Most trees roots are not growing deeper than 1 metre.

  due to need for oxygen. if wish can dig and see for the specific case.

   

  2. wall will tend to crack from the force that will create.

  at first stage the roots will grow along the barrier.

  and than they will get thicker - at this stage they can push the barrier.

   

   

  If the barrier is not flexible it will just crack.

  If using hdpe ( high density polypropylene)  barrier the roots will push the

  barrier and the soil behind it - but will not crack it.

   

  I can supply any size of these barrier

  tree root barrier

   

   

  I hope it helps to someone

  Ofer, (BSc.Agr)